MPD to deploy 2,000 personnel for Labor Day rallies

The Manila Police District (MPD) announced on Monday that it would deploy about 2,000 personnel for expected protest actions during the observance of Labor Day this year.

MPD spokesman Supt. Erwin Margarejo said about 8,000 protesters were expected to join Labor Day protests on Tuesday, May 1.

“We are expecting 8,000 up protesters who will be attending the yearly Labor Day celebration. For MPD, we will be deploying 2,000 PNP personnel,” Margarejo said in a statement.

“The start of our deployment will be as early as 5:00 a.m., focusing on the areas of US Embassy, Mendiola, DOLE (Department of Labor and Employment), Liwasang Bonifacio, etc.,” he said.

Margarejo stressed that police personnel were directed to practice “maximum tolerance for as long there is no violation of law.”

“If protesters will violate any of our laws then we will maintain and restore peace and order as part of our mandate. We will implement arrest to all violators of law,” the MPD spokesman said.

“We are requesting the protesters to guard their ranks not to resort to violence because the police presence will assure them that their constitutional rights are protected and respected for as long as it is peaceful and without any violation of law,” he added.

As scorching heat was expected during the rallies, Margarejo advised protesters to bring water and other protection materials to avoid health issues caused by the weather. /je