Policemen ready for "massive rally" today

CEBU, Philippines – Police Regional Office regional director Chief Superintendent Lani-O Nerez said the Philippine National Police has outlined contingency plans for the mass actions staged by cause-oriented groups today against the move to change the Constitution.

Nerez said a maximum tolerance will be applied as long as protesters would not resort to violence.

He said they will see to it that the protest actions will not be sabotaged by lawless elements.

Although Nerez did not say the number of police personnel that will be deployed tomorrow, he assures that if there’s a need for more deployment, they are ready to acquire for additional assistance.

Cebu City Police Office director Patrocinio Comendador said they will deploy Crowd Disturbance Management Team in today’s protest rallies.

Several groups met at the University of San Carlos yesterday to discuss their activities today.

Groups that attended the meeting included the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, Sanlakas, Bisig, Akbayan Cebu, Partido ng Manggagawa and some religious groups.

“It is not the issue of Charter Change, constitutional assembly or constitutional convention. It is the issue of the timing and motives,” said Fr. Maximo Abalos.

Lawyer Democrito Barcenas of the IBP said the House resolution that was recently passed was designed to perpetuate President Gloria Arroyo in power. – Christopher Gabriel Bonjoc, Niña Sumacot and Barbara Anne B. Ocaba/LPM (THE FREEMAN)