Cops confront militants at Edsa Shrine over streamer
MANILA, Philippines–A tense confrontation ensued between police officers and militants Wednesday at the historic Edsa Shrine when protesters refused to yield their streamers to authorities.
Organizers of the “Edsa Tayo” interfaith prayer rally have banned placards, streamers and banners at the shrine.
Members of the Sentro ng Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa were sitting on the stairs near the monument of Our Lady of Edsa waving anti-pork barrel streamer and prompting police guarding the place to order the militants to put it away.
The group did not budge and a tense moment followed.
“Eto na lang naman ang paraan namin para ihayag ang aming saloobin. Nakaupo lang naman kami dito (This is only our chance to ventilate our sentiments. We’re just sitting here),” cried a member of the group.
Article continues after this advertisementThen a commotion erupted.
Article continues after this advertisementPolice officers failed to seize the streamer, but members of the group decided to put it down to defuse the tension.
Police Chief Superintendent Marcelo Garbo Jr., National Capital Region Police Office director, earlier said streamers and placards are not allowed because the event is a prayer vigil.
Jun Santos, the group’s campaign officer, said they did not know that bringing banners to the shrine has been banned.
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