MANILA -- Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Oscar Albayalde on Tuesday called on those participating in rallies and protest actions on Labor Day to police their own ranks to avoid being infiltrated by troublemakers.
In a statement Tuesday, Albayalde also appealed to all labor groups to respect all participants, whatever sentiments they air during the May 1 celebration.
"Upang higit na maging makabuluhan at wagas ang ating pagdiriwang, hinihiling ng PNP ang inyong pagtaguyod ng diwang makabayan at pakiki-isa sa hangarin na bigyang halaga at pag-galang ng karapatan ng bawat Pilipino na mapayapang ipagdiwang ang mahalagang araw na ito. Mangyari po lamang na maging alerto at mapagmasid ang bawat isa laban sa mga taong nais maghasik ng kaguluhan sa ating mapayapang pagdiriwang. Aming tutugunan ang anumang marahas na kilos ng karampatang pagpapatupad ng batas, (We urge them to side with nationalism and respect others’ rights and for them to remain alert and observant of persons out to sow terror and disturb the peace)," he said.
The PNP chief said policemen are ready to respond to any emergency during the Labor Day celebration, adding that the lines of communication remain open for prompt coordination and talks with protesters.
"Layunin ng PNP na magkaroon ng patuloy at malayang ugnayan sa hanay ng mga grupong lalahok sa mga pagkilos at programa ng pagdiriwang. Sa hanay ng Pambansang Pulisya, kami ay mananatiling handa at naka-antabay upang tugunan ang anumang pangangailangan ng mga grupong kalahok sa pagdiriwang. Mananatiling bukas ang aming mga linya ng komunikasyon para sa maayos na paguusap at koordinasyon. (It is the PNP's goal to have open lines of communication with groups involved in mass actions during the celebration. We will remain ready to respond to the needs of these groups)," Albayalde added.
On Monday, Albayalde said up to 10,000 police personnel would be deployed to secure the demonstrations to be held on Labor Day.
He estimated last year’s demonstration participants at 3,000 to 5,000.
As a standard procedure, he said, the police will exercise maximum tolerance for peaceful conduct of activities and other programs.
Protesters will also be allowed to conduct their rally or assembly with or without permit, as earlier announced by President Rodrigo R. Duterte.
This year's Labor Day comes two days ahead of the week-long Asian Development Bank international forum on May 3-6, which is expected to draw 3,000 delegates from around the world.
Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has expressed salutations to all Filipino workers especially those working abroad.
"The AFP salutes all workers at all levels of the society especially our OFWs, our new heroes of the millennium," military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Bienvenido Datuin said Monday.
In line with this, the AFP spokesperson assured to all Filipino workers that the military will continue performing its mandate of protecting the well-being and rights of all the people in the Philippines.
He added that the AFP is one with the workers' goal in achieving peace and development in the country. (With reports from Elijah Mendoza and Kate Azotea, OJT/PNA)
