Cops start preparations for Labor Day protest actions

With Labor Day just a week away, police in Manila and in eastern Metro Manila started preparations to deal with activities of workers' groups marking the occasion. In Manila, radio dzBB reported the Manila Police District had held a dialogue with representatives of labor groups planning to march to Mendiola near Malacañang on May 1. Manila Police District head Chief Superintendent Rodolfo Magtibay also said they will have anti-riot personnel stay a safe distance from the labor group marchers. He said the MPD's Civil Disturbance Management Unit (CDMU) personnel will be relatively inconspicuous during the protest marches and program. Groups planning to stage Labor Day protest actions in Manila include Partido ng Manggagawa, Kilusang Mayo Uno, Gabriela, Anakpawis and Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, according to a report on dzRH radio. In eastern Metro Manila, meanwhile, the Eastern Police District ordered tighter security for the EDSA Shrine in Mandaluyong City on May 1. EPD head Chief Superintendent Benjardi Mantele ordered his men to enforce the "no rally policy" around EDSA Shrine, according to a report on dzXL radio. — LBG, GMANews.TV