MMDA to deploy 500 enforcers in 'Edsa Tayo' rally

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will be deploying 500 trafic enforcers for Wednesday's "EDSA Tayo" anti- pork barrel prayer rally at the EDSA Shrine.

In addition, MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino said the agency will also be fielding 37 trucks to ferry people who might get stranded in the rally.

Junep Ocampo, "EDSA Tayo" convenor, said a Mass will be held around noon at the rally which will be followed by a lecture on the pork barrel by University of the Philippines economics professor Solita Monsod.

Ocampo said that although everyone is welcomed to join the rally, politicians will not be allowed to speak. The use of bullhorns and effigies is also banned.

Ocampo said the program on Wednesday will not affect traffic flow as it will start at 11 a.m. and will end by 4 p.m. Ocampo said those attending the rally are also expected to clean up the area after the event.

National Capital Region Police Office director Marcelo Garbo Jr.,  who also attended the conference at the MMDA office Monday, said the NCRPO will be on alert on Wednesday.

Garbo said about 500 police officers from the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) will be deployed while another 500 police officers will be placed on stand by status.

"We will have a final coordinating with the law enforcers, public safety division of Mandaluyong and Quezon cities then final touches kasi it seems na ang security plans namin ay nag oover lap. We will integrate this into one security plan with the MMDA,” Garbo said.

"We will factor the development in Zamboanga in our security plan," he added.

Garbo said the NCRPO expects at least 5,000 to 6,000 persons to join the "EDSA Tayo" rally.