Cops declare Aquino's Times St. house no-rally zone

Almost a month after President Benigno Aquino III was sworn into office, police have declared his house on Times Street in Quezon City a no-rally zone. Quezon City police director Chief Superintendent Benjardi Mantele ordered police teams deployed at entry points along Times Street, Radio dzBB's Rowena Salvacion reported Wednesday evening. Mantele said the “no-rally zone" policy seeks to keep the peace in the neighborhood, and to protect neighbors from the noise and tension, the dzBB report said. But Mantele clarified that people seeking help on a walk-in basis can still approach Aquino's house, where his staff will address their concerns. Since his inauguration last June 30, Aquino has been commuting between his office in Malacanang and his house on Times Street, his and his family's home for more than 40 years. Although militant groups persisted in holding rallies in front of his house, they had dispersed peacefully, some of them even getting bottled water from Aquino's aides.—JMA/JV, GMANews.TV