MANILA -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) lauded rally organizers for a largely peaceful Labor Day celebration that saw close to 8,000 individuals taking part in the demonstrations in Manila alone.
In a statement released Tuesday afternoon, the PNP said there were 7,545 demonstrators in Mendiola, San Miguel, Manila where the rally was held. No untoward incident has been reported in the conduct of the rally.
National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Chief, Director Camilo Cascolan, said he is grateful to the cooperation of all labor leaders and demonstrators, who conducted a well-organized rally.
"The whole situation is generally peaceful. The troops are intact to secure the area and maintain peace and order," the NCRPO said in its statement.
According to the Manila Police District, the rally in Mendiola began at noon with more or less 5,000 initially participating, from the groups Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU), I-defend, Sanlakas, and Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino.
In Bataan, a group of 30 rallyists converged at the Green Oil Gas Station in Mariveles, Bataan.
In Laguna, 40 individuals were spotted in the rally led by the KMU in Barangay Balibago, Sta. Rosa City.
Other groups such as Bayan Muna, Piston, and Bicolana also held a 500-men strong rally in Peñaranda Park, Legazpi City while members of the groups Anak-Pawis, Grupo ng Magsasaka, Piston, Bayan Muna staged a 300-men strong protest action in Plaza Rizal, Barangay Dinaga in Naga.
In Camarines Norte, 350 rallyists from KMU, Bayan Muna and Gabriela, led by Venus de Mesa, were ferried on board six passenger jeepneys and a truck to the mass action at JB Terminal, Barangay Gahonon, Daet, Camarines Norte.
In Cebu, about 200 members of Sanlakas/Piston-Sugbo,Kilusang Magbubukid and Bayan held a demonstration at the Pope John Paul, Barangay Mabolo, Cebu City while in Butuan City, 500 rallyists from KMU, Gabriela ,Piston, LIHOK Butuan-Kadamay held a demonstration in front of the National Museum, in Barangay Doongan, Butuan.
By noon Tuesday, the PNP headquarters reported a total of 6,920 rallyists nationwide. (PNA)
