PNP on heightened, full alert ahead of Labor Day

MANILA, Philippines – Police from all over the country are on heightened and full alert in the lead-up to Labor Day celebrations on Friday, May 1.

In a statement, Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesman Senior Superintendent Bartolome Tobias said units in Luzon and Visayas are under heightened alert, while  units in Mindanao are under full alert.

“The PNP is…fully prepared and ready to address any peace and order situation that may arise anywhere across the country as the nation celebrates Labor Day,” Tobias said on Thursday, April 30.

Militant, leftist, and progressive groups typically organize mass actions on May 1 all over the country.

Tobias assured groups that the PNP would “extend full cooperation and support to participants in projected mass actions only within the bounds of law.”

The PNP will also be deploying videographers to document the actions of their personnel, as well as those of groups during mass actions on Friday.

“We can tolerate lawful expressions and peaceful assemblies, but, will never compromise the rule of law and the right of the majority to feel safe, secured and convenient,” he added.

Tobias asked groups to “guard their own ranks” to make sure “infiltrators” don’t take advantage of planned events on May 1. He also rally leaders to keep lines with police open “to ensure the peaceful and orderly outcome of their activities.”

“We assure that there will be no confrontation, no dispersal, and no use of compelling force if only public assemblies are held in accordance with law, and all actions are well within legal bounds,” he added. – Rappler.com