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PNP asks Lim: Recall 'open-Mendiola policy'


Citing "security" concerns, the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday asked Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim to recall his "open-Mendiola" policy to prevent militants from marching there. PNP chief Director General Oscar Calderon said his office is arranging a meeting with Lim to formally relay the request, where the PNP would recommend having protesters take their rallies to freedom parks. "Ang pakiusap namin, huwag mag-cross ng Mendiola. May pag-uusap kaming ginagawa ngayon, ang Manila Police District at si Mayor Lim (We will ask him to stop groups from crossing Mendiola. We are in negotiations, we instructed the MPD to talk with the mayor)," Calderon said in an interview on dzEC radio. He said the meetings will also attempt to map out areas where the protesters can "safely" conduct their activities. Upon assuming his post last June 30, Lim said he will open Mendiola Bridge to protesters, ending the ban on Mendiola by his predecessor Jose Atienza Jr. But upon meeting with the presidential guards, Lim modified the policy to allowing rallies at Mendiola on weekends and holidays. Since then, supporters of former President Joseph Estrada and militant umbrella group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) had managed to make a "comeback" to Mendiola. Still, Calderon voiced fears troublemakers could infiltrate the rallies at Mendiola and endanger the presidential palace. He said that if Lim will not change his position, the PNP will be forced to tighten security at protests, and enforce the "no permit, no rally" policy. - GMANews.TV

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