Luneta anti-'pork' protesters advised: Don't bring backpacks, valuables, children

Don't bring backpacks, valuables and young children. This was the last-minute advice of police and Luneta Park officials on the eve of a massive protest against the pork barrel system at the Luneta Park in Manila on Monday.

"Para ma-avoid natin...  na masingitan ng masamang loob o masamang balakin, like sa (ginawa sa Mindanao)... dini-discourage nila ang pagdala ng backpack. Meron kami mag-i-inspect ng belongings para mabilis ang daloy, sana i-avoid nila magdala ng kung anu-anong gamit," Chief Superintendent Christopher Laxa, deputy for operations of the Metro Manila police, said in an interview on dzBB radio.

He said police will be at seven entry points at Luneta, and will cordon off other areas for the safety of the participants.

On Monday, several groups opposing the pork barrel system will gather at Luneta Park in Manila to air their protest.

This is despite President Benigno Aquino's announcement Friday that he wants the Priority Development Assistance Fund abolished.

Aquino, however, pushed for a replacement mechanism that raised suspicions the pork barrel system may merely be repackaged.

Children, valuables

A separate report by dzBB's Carlo Mateo said the National Parks and Development Committee appealed to participants to avoid bringing valuables that may attract petty thieves, and young children who may get lost in the crowd.

The report said the NPDC has coordinated with the Manila Police District to deploy cops, as well as tourist police.

Police personnel will also be placed at strategic areas.

However, actions like the burning of effigies and streamers with inflammatory messages are not allowed.

The Metro Manila police, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and the military and other concerned agencies on Sunday held a coordinating conference for Monday's event.

On its Twitter account, the Metro Manila police said the conference was "to ensure safety and security" during the march. — LBG, GMA News