Arroyo heckled in Laguna; cops nab protesters - reports

MANILA, Philippines - Hecklers greeted President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo Monday when she attended the celebration of Women’s Month in Calamba City in Laguna province, radio dzBB reported. The radio report said Mrs Arroyo and local city officials were about to release pink balloons during the launch of the Women’s Month celebration when several in the audience shouted "Patalsikin si Gloria" a couple of times. Members of the Calamba police immediately approached the hecklers. A separate radio report said that seven of the hecklers were arrested and brought to the police station. GMA's Flash Report said the police arrested the hecklers and brought them to the precinct for verification of their identities. The TV report did not say how many were arrested. Police officers prevented the media from going inside the precinct and taking footage of the hecklers. The reports said the President, who was then wearing dark shades, was stunned for a moment but regained her composure when the city officials clapped and proceeded with the program. Mrs Arroyo reportedly removed her shades and smiled at the city officials near her after the incident. Aside from participating in the celebration of Women’s Month, the President went to Calamba to inspect infrastructure projects and distribute self-employment assistance, livelihood assistance and scholarships from Technical Education and Skills Development Authority. Mrs Arroyo has been under pressure from civil society, militants and political groups to resign amid allegations that anomalies accompanied the government's $329.5-million national broadband deal with ZTE.- GMANews.TV