Report: Cops tighten security in Manila for Bonifacio Day rallies

Police tightened security at Mendiola Bridge near Malacañang and other key areas in Manila Monday for protests and rallies by workers' groups to mark Bonifacio Day. A report on dwIZ radio said the Manila Police District deployed anti-riot police and plainclothes personnel to Mendiola, the US Embassy and other key installations. Manila Police District head Chief Superintendent Roberto Rongavilla reminded his men to exercise maximum tolerance in dealing with the protesters, and appealed to protest organizers to police their ranks. On Monday, Partido ng Manggagawa was to hold a protest against contractualization at the Rotonda at the boundary of Manila and Quezon City, according to a report by radio dzBB's Carlo Mateo. The PM also planned a march to Mendiola Bridge near Malacañang where they will hold a rally against contractualization on Tuesday. The group said that if Filipino hero Andres Bonifacio were alive, he would have led a revolution against imperialism and contractualization. "If Andres Bonifacio were alive today he will no doubt lead a revolution against imperialist globalization which is the root of contractualization," PM chairman Renato Magtubo said on the group's blog site. Tuesday's protest will also be held in key cities nationwide, with the theme “Fight contractualization, Oppose globalization." "The Filipino way of life should be a regular job that provides decent wages, substantial benefits, security of tenure, decent working conditions and the freedom to have a voice and representation in the workplace through a union. If jobs are regular and there are no contractuals, it will truly be Pilipinas Kay Ganda," said Magtubo. Also on Tuesday, there will be a labor unity march at downtown Colon Street in Cebu City in the morning, the group said. Other scheduled activities that day include a rally by about 500 industrial workers and hacienda laborers in Bacolod City and another labor unity rally in Davao City. — RSJ, GMANews.TV