8,400 cops to secure Labor Day protests in Metro Manila

MANILA, Philippines — The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) will field around 8,400 police officers to ensure security and order during protests on Labor Day, its director Major General Guillermo Eleazar said in a text message to INQUIRER.net Monday.

In a press briefing held at Camp Crame, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Oscar Albayalde also said a “sizable security contingent” will be deployed nationwide to ensure order and security in all places of engagement.

He said maximum tolerance during protests will be strictly observed by police officers.

“While Labor Day is supposed to be celebrated to pay fitting tribute to Filipino workforce, it has been historically marred by protest actions and public assemblies, often initiated by militant labor and cause-oriented groups,” he said.

According to Albayalde, the PNP Directorial Staff will convene Monday to discuss various matters including security preparations for the nationwide observance of Labor Day on Wednesday.

He said the PNP will support all lawful and peaceful activities of labor groups in commemoration of Labor Day but only those within the bounds of the law. /je