Agence France Presse
MANILA - Thousands of workers marched Thursday in the Philippines capital Manila under tight security to demand higher wages in the face of inflation that has sent food prices soaring.
Some 3,000 police were deployed to avert any violence as scattered rallies began in several places across the city.
The demonstrators were due to converge at several points later in the day, including one rally outside President Gloria Arroyo's palace.
Manila police chief, Deputy Director General Geary Barias, said protesters would be allowed to march near the palace after an agreement with organizers that they would remain peaceful.
"We have not received any threat this day and we believe in the sincerity of the rally organizers that they will hold their May 1 celebrations peacefully," Barias told reporters.
Elite police commandos armed with assault rifles however were deployed in highways leading to Manila, while "crowd dispersal units" were also placed on full alert near key government buildings, AFP reporters said.
"The economic crisis is sharper and more intense this year," said Renato Reyes, secretary general of the left-leaning group Bayan.
"Workers in the Philippines have every right to be angry and frustrated," over government policies, he said.
The militant May One Movement demanded that Arroyo step down, accusing her of failing to put in place relief measures amid soaring prices of the staple rice or prioritizing a legislated wage increase.
"Workers are hungry and angry over the Arroyo government's callousness in addressing demands for wage hikes, price controls and significant economic reforms," said Elmer Labor, the group's chairman.
"Calls for a legislated wage hike are justified now more than ever with the rising cost of all products, utilities and services."
Condividi e segnala -
permalink
- Segnala abuso