Tension up as PUP receives 'bomb threat' before Lozada visit

An alleged bomb threat disrupted preparations for a scheduled speaking engagement of ZTE witness Rodolfo Noel Lozada Jr on Thursday morning at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) in Sta. Mesa, Manila. Radio dzBB reported that the "threat" prompted school guards to padlock the PUP's main gate, but students complained that those inside the campus were prevented from getting out. Militant students planning to welcome Lozada voiced suspicion the supposed bomb threat was a ploy to prevent Lozada from speaking at the PUP campus. The group conducted a noise barrage at the gate and engaged PUP security men in a shoving match after the gates were closed. Other students even taunted school administrators, whom they accused of deliberately disrupting school operations to prevent Lozada from speaking. Earlier, student regent Sophia Prado complained that electric power at the amphitheater was fluctuating, affecting the sound system Lozada would use in addressing the students. Students and faculty members earlier conducted a "mass walkout" to welcome Lozada. Streamers and banners expressing support for Lozada, as well as calling for President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's resignation, were unfurled from the university's six-storey building. The activity was to be a prelude of sorts for many of the PUP students, who plan to march to Ayala Avenue in Makati City on Friday for the inter-faith rally there. - GMANews.TV