Maximum tolerance for huge rally today

The city police office said it would observe maximum tolerance and not the controversial calibrated preemptive response or CPR during a massive anti-government rally to be held at the Malacañang sa Sugbu today.

According to city police director Melvin Gayotin, Mayor Tomas Osmeña and regional police director Eduardo Gador were convinced that maximum tolerance is still the effective way to deal with the protesters.

"Nagkasinabtanay na ta nga as long as there is no untoward incident or violence, among respetohon ang ilang katungod to air their sentiments," Gayotin said.

He said that protesters who do not have permits to rally would even be allowed to take to the streets as long as it is done peacefully.

Three teams from the Civilian Disturbance Management, which is composed of elements from the Regional Mobile Group, would be fielded during the rally.

Earlier, the Coalition of Cebuanos Against Gloria vowed to test the CPR implemented by the government, saying that it would hold a rally today at the Malacañang sa Sugbu.

The coalition, composed of members of militant organizations such as Bayan Muna, Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas, Kilusang Mayo Uno and other allied groups, will start their protest actions at 2:30 p.m.

Another group, the Pray for the Nation Movement, a coalition of different anti-Arroyo groups that was launched the other day, will hold a public prayer at Fuente Osmeña at 5:30 p.m. to drive away the "evils of the regime." - Ryan P. Borinaga