DAY OF RALLIES: Interfaith prayer rally in Makati City today

February 28, 2008

Jun Lozada LEADERS of the opposition, civil society groups and religious groups will spearhead the interfaith prayer rally in Makati City today to dramatize the search for truth, justice and reforms. Militant organizations calling for the resignation of President Macapagal-Arroyo are also expected to attend the gathering at the center of the country’s financial district.

Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran said it’s time for all sectors to demand an end to the corruption and abuse of the Arroyo administration.

“People’s participation is decisive in the broad movement to remove Arroyo and install a pro-people government,” Beltran said. He added that the signs of the times clearly indicate that Mrs. Arroyo should leave Malacañang.

Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales said there is nothing wrong with the interfaith rally and even called on the people to participate.

“Ang ibig sabihin ng interfaith rally ay sabay-sabay na magdarasal at ipagdasal nating lumabas ang katwiran at katotohanan, maging mapayapa ang mga tao, mahinahon sa lahat ng hinihingi, okay ‘yon,” he said.

The prelate said people who cannot go to Makati can also pray in their homes.

Elsewhere in the country, similar prayer rallies will also be held by leaders of various organizations and local officials to support the call of Catholic bishops for communal action.

The police and the military went on full alert starting yesterday. Philippine National Police chief Director General Avelino Razon, Jr. said all 17 police regional offices have been ordered to secure vital installations, economic key points, places of convergence and other possible targets of militant and rebel groups that may take advantage of the situation.

National Capital Region Police Office chief Director Geary Barias deployed 5,000 policemen in around the rally site in Makati.

Razon said they are verifying intelligence reports on the alleged plot of the New People’s Army and the extremist Abu Sayyaf Group to sow terror in today’s big event.

“So far, there are no indications that they are true,” he said.

The PNP chief denied that policemen stopped protesters from entering Metro Manila.

“We respect the rights of citizens to hold rallies but it should be in accordance with the law,” he stressed.

Maj. Gen. Fernando Mesa, the military commander for Metro Manila, said that troops and armored vehicles will be on standby at a military camp in the capital to reinforce police if needed.

Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay assured the police that the rally will be peaceful. Binay allowed rallyists to hold the event from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Razon however doubted if organizers will be able to come up with a million people.

Beltran however called on “democracy-loving Filipinos” to join the Makati rally. Former President Joseph Estrada earlier said he will be joining the interfaith rally. Members of transport groups also said they will take part in the gathering.

Beltran said while Filipinos are working for a regime change, it is also imperative to discuss the alternatives for a post-Arroyo government.

“What the people want to see after Arroyo is a government that is equipped with programs, measures and guarantees for substantial reforms. A government that will address the long standing demands of the people for social, political and economic reforms must be installed. Concretely, there must be a transition council formed after Arroyo and it will serve as an interim government,” he added.

For Gloria

Not to be left out, the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines, League of Provinces of the Philippines, League of Cities, League of Municipalities and the Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas will also be holding their own prayer rallies in support of the President.

LPP president Gov. Leo Ocampos of Misamis Occidental said the various groups will sponsor peace masses “to deliver a resounding message that majority of the people, especially in the countryside, are fed up with the political noise that the opposition groups are trying to stir up in Metro Manila.”

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