Traffic almost at standstill along EDSA-Cubao southbound amid Mamasapano rally

Traffic on the southbound lane of Epifanio delos Santos Avenue in Cubao on late Wednesday afternoon reached a virtual standstill as different militant groups conducted a protest along the area.

 

As of 4:30 p.m., vehicles on the southbound lane of EDSA were caught in traffic as police officers blocked militants heading for Camp Crame.

 

The groups were on their way to Camp Crame, where they were to form a human chain all the way to EDSA Shrine, and also conduct a inter-faith prayer rally. But they were blocked me  by police officials from going further.

 

The activities not only commemorate the 29th anniversary of the EDSA-1 People Power revolt but also the first month after the Jan. 25 Mamasapano, Maguindanao clash that killed 44 Special Action Force troopers.

 

'Ironic'

 

In an interview, militant umbrella group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) secretary general Renato Reyes said it was ironic that anti-riot policemen blocked them as they were calling for justice for the elite policemen killed in Mamasapano exactly a month ago.

 

"Ironic nga dahil hindi kami pumunta dito para awayin ang mga pulis, sa katunayan nandito kami para ipaglaban ang mga pulis," he said.

 

He added that they have earlier coordinated their rally with National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) officer-in-charge Chief Supt. Diosdado Valeroso.

 

"Wala sa tamang posisyon, hindi sila maayos na kausap," he said.

 

He added that if the police allowed them to go through, they would have not caused such heavy traffic.

 

"Human chain, single line lang sana 'yon," he said. "Kaya huwag kaming sisihin. — RSJ, GMA News