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Friday, April 28, 2006
Police on heightened alert ahead of Labor Day protests (2:47 p.m.)
MANILA -- Police in the Philippines' sprawling capital went on heightened alert Friday ahead of protests planned for the next week's Labor Day, which authorities fear could be used by opposition forces to destabilize the government.
Rumors have circulated that left-wing groups, disgruntled troops and opposition leaders plan to move to oust President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Monday, when the country marks Labor Day. The military has said an alleged coup attempt in late February could be revived next week.
Metro Manila police chief Vidal Querol said about 5,000 officers will be deployed to control crowds on Monday, with a larger number assigned to regular anti-crime duties to prevent criminals taking advantage of the police's diverted attention.
Labor groups traditionally hold huge rallies on May 1 and Querol said rally organizers will be required to show permits for demonstrations. He added that police will request march organizers to peacefully disperse if they are asked to avoid potential clashes with riot police.
On Thursday, left-wing activists filed complaints against police accusing them of arbitrary detention and other offenses following violent dispersals of anti-government rallies last year, under a calibrated preemptive response (CPR) policy issued by Arroyo's government to deal with the protests.
Supreme Court (SC) justices on Tuesday voted 13-0 to declare the policy unconstitutional, saying it violates the freedom of assembly.
The court however upheld a 21-year-old public assembly law requiring organizers to get permits for rallies in public places.
But it also gave local governments 30 days to designate "freedom parks," where demonstrations can be held without a permit, under the same law.
Manila Mayor Joise "Lito" Atienza said protests will be allowed in designated freedom parks in the capital but not near Malacaņang, because such gatherings may be exploited by "elements with an agenda."
Left-wing workers' groups, which have been demanding Arroyo's resignation over alleged election cheating and corruption, have announced they will try to break into the "no-rally zone" close to the palace on Monday. (AP) |
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