'Normal, peaceful protest' at Plaza Miranda–police

THE Manila Police District said on Thursday that a total of 500 protesters have gathered in the vicinity of Plaza Miranda in Quiapo for a protest demonstration on the inauguration of President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

The MPD identified at least 14 progressive groups who are taking part in the protests.

As of posting time, the on-going protest action in Plaza Miranda has been "normal and peaceful," police said.

The protesters come from Karapatan, Courage, KMU, Bayan Muna, Anakpawis, Kilusang Magbubukid, Piston, Health Action for Human Rights, National Council of Churches in the Philippines, Alliance of Health Workers, International League People's Struggle, Kabataan, and Artists ng Rebulosyong Pangkultura.

Some of the issues and demands being raised are press freedom, a stop to the killing farmers, wage increase, freedom for all political prisoners, and justice for victims of human rights among others.

The leaders of the progressive groups met with the Philippine National Police (PNP) in a last-minute dialogue Thursday morning to ensure the "peaceful holding" of the protest action.

"In consideration of the peaceful holding of the rally program, and to avoid any untoward incident with Marcos supporters, and upon the request of the PNP, we have decided to move our rally venue to Plaza Miranda," Reyes said in a statement.

Bayan was supposed to hold its demonstration at the Liwasang Bonifacio, a kilometer away from the National Museum of Fine Arts, site of the Marcos inauguration.

Source: TheManila Times