Workers’ protests in Manila defy PNP blockades, government response

Workers’ groups pursued their protest despite being blocked by the Philippine National Police (PNP) from reaching Mendiola on Labor Day, May 1, emphasizing the shift of government response to police presence.

The Laban Manggagawa coalition and Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) marched through España to call for higher wages and alleviation of workers’ conditions but were met with police barricades.

Even prior to the beginning of the protest, PNP had already set up the barricades made of barbed wires to prevent the protesters from approaching areas that were deemed restricted by the state.

According to the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Regional Director P/Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin, the police were efficiently ready to take action in case of the commitment on the violation of the law.

“Pero of course kung may karahasan at na paglabag sa batas ang ating kapulisan ay hindi lang basta basta nakatayo diyan. Kung hindi magpapatupad po tayo ng of course pag-aresto dahil ito po ang ating mandato,” Aberin stated.

Kilusang Mayo Uno Chairperson Jerome Adonis condemned the police’s move, saying it was ‘shameless’ of them.

“Gumawa kami ng dayalogo sa Manila Police District nung nakaraan, humarap ang mga colonel nila. Ang response pala nila, barikada. So talagang walang hiya,” Adonis said in an interview with ABS-CBN News.

While police barricades are not new during protests, rallyists continue to denounce them as they are considered a move to suppress the right to protest.

“Ayaw naman namin makipag-clash sa kanila, pero nakita ng ating mga kababayan, nasaksihan natin, na sa Araw ng Manggagawa, ang dala namin ay isyu ng mamamayan.” Adonis added.

Over 14,000 policemen were deployed in Metro Manila, while 106,000 were deployed nationwide during the Mayo Uno protests.