Security deployment for Makati rally raised to 4,700

(Updated 10:25 a.m.) MANILA, Philippines - Hours before an expected massive rally of anti-Charter change forces, the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday decided to hike up its deployment to secure the rally in Makati City. In an interview on dzBB radio, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) spokesman Superintendent Rommel Miranda said 4,700 police personnel will be on hand to secure the multi-sectoral rally which will be joined by various groups and key personalities in the opposition including former President Joseph Estrada. NCRPO earlier said 3,142 security personnel will be tapped to deal with any eventuality arising from the rally - including 600 from the military's NCR Command, 669 from the Manila Police District, and 573 from the Southern Police District. Additional police forces from Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central and Southern Luzon and Bicol were also tapped to secure the event. "Naghanda tayo ng 4,700 personnel para dito (We have prepared 4,700 personnel for this event)," Miranda said, adding that the deployed policemen will be on the lookout not only for troublemakers but also for snatchers and pickpockets. On the other hand, Miranda said they expect "less" than 15,000 to attend the rally, especially since Friday is a payday and people are likely to prioritize Christmas shopping. "Sweldo ngayon mas (iniisip nila ang) holiday shopping nila (Today is payday and everyone is more inclined to think of holiday shopping)," he said. Also, he said that while there was no "direct" intelligence report of possible terrorist attack, they have prepared for such an eventuality as well. In Malacañang, container vans, barbed wires and police and presidential guard reinforcements were deployed early to prevent rallyists from reaching the Palace grounds. Authorities have also closed off to traffic the portion of Mendiola Bridge leading to the Palace. Anti-riot shields and portable urinals lined the road leading from Mendiola Bridge to Gate 7 of the Palace, while container vans were positioned along J.P. Laurel Street. In eastern Metro Manila, anti-riot police were stationed at EDSA Shrine in Mandaluyong City to prevent surprise rallies. Roving patrols were also depoyed to prevent demonstrators from reaching the area. Meanwhile, Fr. Robert Reyes made an appeal to political figures attending the rally not to ruin the event by grandstanding. "Mag-ga-grandstanding na naman ang may political ambition. Sana mabigyang puwang ang saloobin ng mamamayan (We expect some politicos to grandstand again. We can only hope they talk about what the people feel)," Reyes said. Reyes - along with a group of farmers pushing for their land rights - were among the early birds at the rally site in Makati City. "Dumating kami dito 5:30 a.m., kasama ang magsasakang nagra-rally. Walang alisan ito mamaya (We came as early as 5:30 a.m., with farmers who marched from the provinces to Metro Manila to fight for their land. We're not leaving this place)," Reyes said in an interview on dzBBradio. He said that aside from registering their objection to moves to amend the 1987 Constitution, they are also fighting for the extension of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program. Reyes also said the rains have not discouraged them from waiting for the rally to start in the afternoon. - GMANews.TV