AFP to help PNP keep peace in Metro Manila on Labor Day

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will deploy soldiers to help the Philippine National Police (PNP) keep the peace in Metro Manila as the country observes Labor Day on Tuesday.

While the AFP and PNP have not monitored specific threats for the holiday, the AFP said Monday in a statement that it could not discount the possibility that some groups may take advantage of the situation.

The AFP said that it was particularly concerned with possible attacks from the New People's Army (NPA).may take that may disrupt the peace during the holidays.

The AFP also called on the labor sector to observe Labor Day in a "peaceful and orderly way."

"We encourage everyone to conduct a non-violent and constructive dialogue with the government instead of rallies in the streets that usually cause severe traffic and disrupt the normal activities of people; and sometimes lead to violence," the AFP said in a statement.

PNP Chief Director General Oscar Albayalde said the police did not receive reports of a possible disruption either for the Labor Day celebrations on Tuesday.

Albayalde reassured labor groups that maximum tolerance will be observed, even with threats from labor groups that 150,000 people may be mobilized for the nationwide protest on May 1. —Rie Takumi/NB, GMA News