Demonstrators take part in a Labor Day rally in Mendiola, Manila on May 1, 2023. (Photo by JAM STA ROSA / AFP)
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday commended organizers and leaders of various groups of workers for holding “peaceful and orderly” Labor Day activities on May 1, 2023.
Police said its regional offices monitored “no significant incident of national security concern” in the country’s key cities.
“No arrests were reported in these activities while routine law enforcement operations continued elsewhere against common crime violators and organized crime groups,” PNP reported.
“It only goes to show that any public expression of opinion can be carried out in an orderly manner through dialogue and coordination,” it added.
All Philippine Trade Unions (APTU) organizers said more than 10,000 demonstrators from Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino (BMP), Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU), and the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines joined in marches in Manila.
The rallies started from Welcome Rotonda in Quezon City.
Other protesters joined along Maceda Street and Ramon Magsaysay High School in Manila.
The groups eventually converged on Mendiola Street and in front of the US Embassy.
PNP deployed nearly 60,000 cops in areas nationwide where several labor organizations staged programs.
“We kept true to our word that there will be no confrontation or police intervention if only all public activities are held within the bounds of the law, and according to accepted conduct and behavior that do not compromise public order, safety, and convenience,” the police said.
RELATED STORIES: