Manila Police District personnel hold placards expressing solidarity with the Labor Day protest participants in Mendiola Street in Manila. Photo from MPD Barbosa Police Station 14
MANILA, Philippines —In an unexpected move, police personnel expressed solidarity with Labor Day protesters during their demonstration in Mendiola Street in Manila as they air grievances about the problems besetting workers for years.
Demonstrators from labor unions and workers’ confederation were greeted with “Happy Labor Day” and “We Love You” placards held by the personnel of the Manila Police District (MPD).
Several policemen also held placards thanking the workers for their service.
The MPD also distributed free bottled water to the protesters. Their actions did not escape the attention of Luke Espiritu, one of the demonstration organizers.
“Napakasarap pala kapag naging makatao ang pulis,” labor organizer Luke Espiritu said during the program.
Organizers of the demonstration also expressed their gratitude to the MPD and the local government for adequately handling the program.
Some 1,100 MPD personnel were deployed around the city for this year’s Labor Day demonstrations.
The Labor Day caravan began in Welcome Rotonda, gathering other protesters along Maceda Street and Ramon Magsaysay High School before marching to Mendiola.
Workers trooped the streets of España Boulevard armed with their placards and banners, occupying the entire southbound of Manila’s main artery.
After the program in Mendiola, the contingent marched to the US Embassy in light of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos’ visit to Washington D.C.
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