Manila steps up security for pro-Estrada revolt anniversary

The government is beefing up security around Malacañang Palace in preparation for the anniversary of the May 1 riot staged by supporters of ousted President Joseph Estrada just after the Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo government was installed.

Around 10,000 policemen and anti-riot officers will be placed around the Presidential Palace with thousands of Estrada supporters once again set to stage a mass protest recollecting the bloody riots that killed four and injured at least 100.

Pro-Estrada supporters and other left-leaning labour groups are scheduled to hold separate demonstrations in Mendiola in Manila where Malacañang Palace is located. Manila police director, Chief Superintendent Nicolas Pasinos, said the authorities will be prepared if the demonstrators become unruly.

"We're definitely more prepared than May 1 last year. We expect to have more than 10,000 policemen ready to defend the palace," Pasinos said, adding that police have already put up barricades, rolled out barbed wire and deployed motorcycle policemen days before May 1.

He said protesters will be kept beyond a 500-metre security cordon from the palace to avoid confrontation with the police who were ordered to exercise maximum tolerance.

"But those who transgress the law shall be dealt with sternly and uncompromisingly. We will not allow anarchy," said Press Secretary Silvestre Afable.

National Security Adviser Roilo Golez suggested that Estrada supporters be prevented from getting anywhere near the palace because they may again provoke demonstrators to be violent.

He said Arroyo would not be in Malacañang during the protests because she is expected to participate in Labour Day celebrations in the southern Philippines.

Urban leader Ronald Lumbao, accused of provoking demonstrators to revolt against Arroyo's administration, was arrested on Wednesday, on the anniversary of the ousted leader's arrest last year. He was charged with rebellion.