MANILA, Philippines -- Some 40 members of the activist group First Quarter Storm Movement managed to set foot on the historic Chino Roces (Mendiola) Bridge in Manila Saturday morning.

The demonstrators were allowed by anti-riot policemen to hold a brief program in the area -- considered a no-rally zone on weekdays -- after they were able to show a permit issued by the city government.

The FQS Movement is the umbrella organization of the activists of the1960s and 1970s who have banded together "to keep alive the spirit of FQS of 1970."

According to the group, the FQS was considered a baptism of fire for the generation of militants that set off to join the Filipino people in the war against the repressive Marcos regime.

However, some 300 other protesters -- members of various militant groups -- were not
as lucky as the FQS Movement.

The group gathered at Plaza Miranda in Quiapo around 10:30 a.m. and tried to march toward Mendiola. They were blocked, however, by anti-riot police at the corner of Recto and Morayta Streets after they failed to show any written permit from City Hall.

The demonstrators, who were protesting against the World Economic Forum being held in Davos Switzerland, voluntarily dispersed around 1 p.m.