Cops block militants marching to EDSA Shrine

Militant groups march along EDSA Ortigas in a prayer rally at the EDSA Shrine, against politician’s misuse of the PDAF or Pork Barrell, wednesday. INQUIRER/ MARIANNE BERMUDEZ

MANILA, Philippines – Militant groups carrying banners and streamers tried to penetrate the “EDSA Tayo” rally Wednesday but were blocked by police securing the perimeter of the historic EDSA Shrine.

In compliance with the prayer rally’s organizers advisories,  security forces were instructed to bar participants with political banners and streamers.

While the encounter was ongoing, anti-pork barrel protesters clad in white shirts jeered the policemen and chanted “papasukin! (let them in)”

Anakbayan chairman Vencer Crisostomo complained against the blockade, saying the police are out to sabotage the peaceful gathering of people in EDSA.

Crisostomo said the police were making up reasons to prevent them from joining the prayer vigil.

Although opposed to the supposed prohibition of protest materials by the police, he said they still took down their banners but were ordered anew to let go of their placards and even papers printed with slogans.

Crisostomo said their group, of a hundred or so protesters, marched from different areas in Quezon City to join the vigil. With a report from
Kristine Angeli Sabillo