Makati rally ends peacefully, says PNP

By Ronron
February 29, 2008

The rally in Makati City by anti-government forces ended peacefully, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr. said.

In a news conference last night at Camp Crame, Quezon City, Razon said the crowd at the rally swelled to 15,000 as it proceeded from 5pm to past 8pm.

"It was orderly and peaceful," Razon said in Filipino.

He said they also did not monitor any seditious or rebellious statement.

Southern Police District (SPD) Director Chief Supt. Luizo Ticman said the rally site at the corner of Ayala Avenue and Paseo de Roxas was cleared of the rallyists at around 9pm.

Razon said he has directed National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Director Geary Barias to maintain some forces in the area "until all rally participants have left and the city government of Makati has cleaned up the place."

So far, only minor incidents were reported during the rally – loss of personal items, some medical emergencies, and some inconvenience to motorists and commuters who were rerouted, Razon said.

In a statement, PNP spokesman Sr. Supt. Nicanor Bartolome confirmed that a "No-Fly Zone" was implemented by the Air Transportation Office (ATO) over Makati City from 5pm "to ensure the safety of the prayer rally participants."

Razon denied, however, in an interview that it was the PNP who recommended that.

At Camp Aguinaldo, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) National Capital Region Command (NCRCOM) chief Maj. Gen. Fernando Mesa ordered the soldiers who went on standby the entire day to go back to barracks at around 9:30 pm.

"Everything went well. Our efforts have bore fruits so Congratulations," he told the soldiers, who responded with cheers.

A total of three battalions, or about 1,500 soldiers, were placed on standby inside Camp Aguinaldo for possible deployment when requested by the PNP. With them were several tanks and military trucks.

About 200 of the soldiers were brought to the vicinity of Malacanang Palace in the morning, and 36 others to Makati City in the evening to ensure security as requested by the PNP, Mesa said.

But they were expected to be returned to the camp later on Friday night.

With the dispersal of the rallyists, Mesa said they no longer see any threat, particularly a power grab.

"We can sleep soundly. There is nothing to worry," he said.

But he said the NCRCOM will remain on Red Alert status until the PNP advises them that the situation has already normalized.

The forces from the regions will also remain in Metro Manila until they are already sure that there is no more threat to the stability of the government./DMS