No cops-rallyists confrontation so far at Labor Day rallies

Protesters walk toward Welcome Rotonda as policemen exercise maximum tolerance while rallyists merge with various groups in Quezon City before marching to Mendiola in celebration of the Labor Day on May 1, 2018. INQUIRER PHOTO / JAM STA. ROSA

This year’s Labor Day protests ended peacefully and without untoward incident reported, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Tuesday.

PNP spokesperson Chief Supt. John Bulalacao said 5,610 demonstrators joined the protest actions nationwide—a mere fraction of the 50,000 protesters in Metro Manila alone, as estimated by rally organizers.

“As of this time, mass demonstrations nationwide remain to be peaceful with no untoward incident reported,” Bulalacao said.

He noted that police forces remain in place and continue to exercise maximum restraint to “avoid the possible eruption of violence.”

Workers staged huge protests in various parts of the country this year to express dismay to President Rodrigo Duterte’s failed promise to end contractualization.

The Kilusang Mayo Uno (May 1 Movement) said they decided to unite against the “procapitalist” policies of President Duterte.

KMU said this was the first time in 20 years that labor groups decided to join forces after they split in 1992 due to ideological and political differences. /jpv

READ: ‘Biggest Labor Day rally yet’ set