Coordinate with us to ensure peaceful Labor Day protests, says PNP

Our lines are open.

This was the message of Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Dir. Gen. Oscar Albayalde to protesters as he urged them to constantly communicate and coordinate with the police to ensure peaceful mobilizations during Labor Day.

“Sa hanay ng pambansang pulisya, kami ay mananatiling handa at naka-antabay upang tugunan ang anumang pangangailangan ng mga grupong kalahok sa pagdiriwang,” Albayalde said in a statement Tuesday.

(From the national police, we remain ready and in stand by to address the needs of the groups participating in the Labor Day celebration.)

“Mananatiling bukas ang aming mga linya ng komunikasyon para sa maayos na paguusap at koordinasyon,” he added.

(Our communication lines will remain open for orderly interaction and coordination.)

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said Labor Day activities are expected to draw 8,000 protesters in Metro Manila.

Labor groups, however, are expecting 60,000 people to join this year’s May 1 protests, dubbed as the “biggest” in 20 years, to express dismay against President Rodrigo Duterte’s failed promise to end contractualization in the country.

The Kilusang Mayo Uno (May 1 Movement or KMU) said they decided to unite against the “pro-capitalist” policies of Duterte.

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

READ: ‘Biggest Labor Day rally yet’ set       /muf