Cops deployed to Mendiola

MANILA, Philippines—The Manila Police District on Wednesday said it has deployed police officers in Mendiola area in anticipation of possible anti-pork barrel protests in Manila.

This as protesters started to gather at the EDSA shrine for the scheduled EDSA Tayo rally against the alleged misuse of billions of the Priority Development Assistance Fund.

MPD-District Tactical Operations Center said that along with the deployment of police officers as early as 6 a.m., barbed wires and steel railings were placed in the vicinity early Wednesday.

Anti-riot police were also deployed to the United States Embassy in anticipation of possible rallies by leftwing groups.

On Tuesday, MPD head Chief Superintendent Isagani Genabe Jr. said he would not take chances although there was no intelligence reports about a terrorist threat.

The United States commemorates today the 9/11 terror attacks.  He said “sufficient” personnel would be deployed to the two areas.

The National Capital Region Police Office has placed all of its police offices under full alert status since 6 a.m. Wednesday in time for the prayer vigil against the pork barrel system at the EDSA Shrine.

The EDSA Shrine activity was a follow-up to the Million People March in Luneta last August 26.

September 11 marks the 96^th birthday of former dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr.

Related Stories:

People bring ‘pork’ fight to EDSA

Metro Manila police on full alert for ‘Edsa Tayo’ rally

Janet Napoles and the pork barrel scam