Davao police on full alert for Labor Day protest

The Police Regional Office (PRO) XI has directed all police units in Davao region to be in full alert status in anticipation of the Labor Day protest on Tuesday. (Photo: Police Regional Office 11 Page/Facebook)

DAVAO CITY – The Police Regional Office (PRO) XI has directed all police units in Davao region to be in full alert status in anticipation of the Labor Day protest on Tuesday.

Chief Insp. Milgrace Driz said the Civil Disturbance Management (CDM) team will be on standby should picket rallies, demonstrations and lawlessness arise. Driz said placing all units of the police will help increase the level of alertness and vigilance, and intensify their defenses further.

She said the standby forces will help maintain peace, convenience and safety of the residents.

Driz said labor groups are allowed to assemble even without a permit if activities are conducted peacefully and orderly.

“That would mean apprehension of some who will violate the rule of law. They are allowed to do their demonstration even without a permit as President Rodrigo Duterte said,” Driz said.

Chief Supt. Manuel Gaerlan, PRO XI regional director, also called for a peaceful and orderly celebration of Labor Day commemoration.

Gaerlan said he considers Labor Day as a commemoration of the heroes of today, “especially the OFWs who sacrifice their lives and work hard and contribute to the development of the country.”

Labor groups are expected to hold a protest march in Davao City to express their sentiments on various labor issues such as the end of contractualization , or ENDO, and the call for an across-the-board increase in wages.