Ensure peaceful May 1 activities, AFP tells labor groups

“We call on our brothers and sisters from the labor sectors to be one with us in observing Labor Day in a peaceful and orderly way. We encourage everyone to conduct a non-violent and constructive dialogue with the government instread of rallies in the street that usually cause severe traffic and disrupt the normal activities of people; and sometimes violence,” Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Bienvenido Datuin said in a text message to the Philippine News Agency Monday. (PNA photo)

MANILA — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday appealed to various groups to observe Labor Day in a peaceful and orderly manner.

“We call on our brothers and sisters from the labor sectors to be one with us in observing Labor Day in a peaceful and orderly way. We encourage everyone to conduct a non-violent and constructive dialogue with the government instread of rallies in the street that usually cause severe traffic and disrupt the normal activities of people; and sometimes violence,” Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Bienvenido Datuin said in a text message to the Philippine News Agency Monday.

Datuin said the AFP takes particular concern on the activities of the New People’s Army who are notorious in disrupting peace and sowing violence and disorder during public gatherings.

While no security threats have been monitored during the annual observance, the AFP spokesperson said the military will continue to perform its mandate to protect the well-being and the rights of the Filipinos, especially the labor sector in the shared goal of achieving peace and development in the country.

“However, we cannot discount the possibility that some groups may take advantage of the situation, thus, the AFP will take proactive measures to protect our citizens,” Datuin stressed.

This includes the deployment of the military’s Joint Task Force-National Capital Region to ensure that peace and order will reign in Metro Manila during Labor Day on Tuesday.

“Units in the provinces are also in support to the PNP and ready to respond to possible threats that may arise during the occassion,” the AFP spokesperson pointed out.