DESPITE protest by workers’ unions, the observance of Labor Day in Davao City Wednesday, May 1, has been generally peaceful and orderly with no untoward incidents reported.

Davao City Police Office (DCPO) Director Police Colonel Alexander Tagum said the protesters, estimated to be around 250, have been cooperative and were following instructions from the authorities.

The police also did roadblock to prevent the marching protesters from demonstrating at Rizal Park since they did not secure a rally permit from the local government of Davao.

The labor force and other individuals converged at Freedom Park Wednesday, May 1, to commemorate the 133rd International Labor Day. It was led by the Kilusang Mayo Uno-Southern Mindanao Region (KMU-SMR) and the Nagkaisa Labor Coalition.

They renew their call to the government to fulfill its promise to end contractualization, increase the minimum wage, and urge the passage of the Security Tenure Bill to address the plight of the Filipino workers.

"Ang strict instruction ko is to observe maximum tolerance and respect their rights to free expression. Our security personnel deployed at the Freedom Park are there to ensure the peace and order in the area," Tagum said.