180 soldiers back cops in Luneta, Mendiola

GETTING BIGGER Aerial shots of the crowd that joined the ‘‘Million People March’’ at the Rizal Park mid-morning of Monday, August 26, 2013. Photos courtesy of Architect Paulo Alcazaren which are posted in his Facebook page.

MANILA, Philippines – At least 180 soldiers were deployed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines for Monday’s protest at Rizal Park in Luneta and Chino Roces Street (formerly Mendiola).

Colonel Manuel Gonzales, head of Joint Task Force National Capital Region, told reporters that three civil disturbance management teams with up to 60 soldiers each will serve as support to the NCR Police Office.

“They were deployed along Mendiola area,” he said.

He clarified that the CDM personnel were unarmed, but “they have their basic equipment such as shield and baton.”

“They are not allowed to have firearms,” he said.

He said they will only come to support the police “when they can no longer handle the situation.”

“In case police could not handle anymore, the military will come to support them. Maximum tolerance will also be implemented,” he said.

The military also deployed K9 and explosive ordnance teams to the Luneta Grandstand.

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