06-11-2005, 01:53 PM
6,000 PNP, AFP troops deployed for June 12 anti-government rallies By Non Alquitran
The Philippine Star 06/11/2005 At least 6,000 riot police and military personnel will be deployed to secure Metro Manila during a rally expected to be held by critics of President Arroyos administration tomorrow to coincide with the 107th Independence Day celebrations.
Meanwhile, police clashed yesterday with left-wing protesters accusing the President of cheating in the 2004 elections amid heightened political tensions in the country, authorities and witnesses said.
At least 12 people were injured, including four police officers, and three protesters were arrested, according to the police and demonstrators.
Some 500 activists from the militant farmers group Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas tried to push their way to Malacañang Palace and hurled stones at police officers blocking their path, Senior Police Officer Modesto Francisco said. Some protesters carried placards reading: "Gloria corrupt, resign now!"
After pushing and shoving from both sides, police aimed a water cannon at the crowd, but the protesters refused to disperse, Francisco said.
Rally organizers said eight protesters were hurt and officials said at least four police officers were hospitalized.
While police estimated the number of protesters at 500, journalists at the site said up to 3,000 turned out.
The activists accused Mrs. Arroyo of committing "crimes against the people," including fixing the 2004 elections, land grabbing and conducting a crackdown on government critics.
In a bid to calm political tensions fueled by coup rumors, the President on Thursday denied allegations of electoral fraud, saying the charges were part of a plot to unseat her.
The accusations, first made during the May 2004 elections, surfaced anew this week with the release of an alleged wiretapped conversation between the President and an election commissioner.
The President is also facing allegations that First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo, son Pampanga Rep. Juan Miguel Arroyo and brother-in-law Negros Occidental Rep. Ignacio Arroyo received kickbacks from illegal gambling operators. The three have denied the allegations.
Maintaining Red Alert
The Philippine Star 06/11/2005 At least 6,000 riot police and military personnel will be deployed to secure Metro Manila during a rally expected to be held by critics of President Arroyos administration tomorrow to coincide with the 107th Independence Day celebrations.
Meanwhile, police clashed yesterday with left-wing protesters accusing the President of cheating in the 2004 elections amid heightened political tensions in the country, authorities and witnesses said.
At least 12 people were injured, including four police officers, and three protesters were arrested, according to the police and demonstrators.
Some 500 activists from the militant farmers group Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas tried to push their way to Malacañang Palace and hurled stones at police officers blocking their path, Senior Police Officer Modesto Francisco said. Some protesters carried placards reading: "Gloria corrupt, resign now!"
After pushing and shoving from both sides, police aimed a water cannon at the crowd, but the protesters refused to disperse, Francisco said.
Rally organizers said eight protesters were hurt and officials said at least four police officers were hospitalized.
While police estimated the number of protesters at 500, journalists at the site said up to 3,000 turned out.
The activists accused Mrs. Arroyo of committing "crimes against the people," including fixing the 2004 elections, land grabbing and conducting a crackdown on government critics.
In a bid to calm political tensions fueled by coup rumors, the President on Thursday denied allegations of electoral fraud, saying the charges were part of a plot to unseat her.
The accusations, first made during the May 2004 elections, surfaced anew this week with the release of an alleged wiretapped conversation between the President and an election commissioner.
The President is also facing allegations that First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo, son Pampanga Rep. Juan Miguel Arroyo and brother-in-law Negros Occidental Rep. Ignacio Arroyo received kickbacks from illegal gambling operators. The three have denied the allegations.
Maintaining Red Alert
