‘GLORIA PA RIN’ Supporters of jailed leader Gloria Macapagal Arroyo who called themselves “volunteers” converged Wednesday noon at Gate 1 of the Veteran Memorial Medical Center, about 20 meters away from militant groups protesting the release of the former President. Video by Matikas Santos, INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—They’re increasing in numbers every minute.
From a group of 30, ralliers who called themselves volunteers for former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo converged on Wednesday noon at gate 1 of the Veteran Memorial Medical Center bearing placards that speak of their love for the jailed leader.
By 2 p.m., their number increased to around 200, more than the number of anti-Arroyo militants who were already at VMMC since mid-morning. The militant groups are composed of Gabriela, Bayan Muna, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, Pamalakaya, among others.
The pro-Arroyo “volunteers” told earlier to INQUIRER.net they’re from a community near Sto. Domingo Church in Quezon City and that nobody paid them to show support for Arroyo.
About 30 riot policemen are guarding the gate of VMMC while less than 10 traffic enforces from the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) are manning the flow of vehicles at the intersection along North Avenue.