Manila police disperse anti-poverty rally in Mendiola

Law enforcers on Tuesday morning clashed with anti-poverty protesters at the foot of Don Chino Roces Bridge in Manila City, dzBB radio reported. Tempers flared as elements of the Manila Police District (MPD) confiscated placards and banners from members of the Global Call for Action against Poverty (G-CAP). "We're just implemeting the law. This is a no rally zone. No permit, no rally," a certain Senior Superintendent Perez of the MPD said during an interview on dzBB radio. Don Chino Roces bridge is deemed off-limits to protest marchers because of its close proximity to Malacañang Palace. G-CAP members had planned to "dramatize" the worsening state of poverty in the country. They were suppose to bring an impoverished family who lived in a kariton or pushcart. A reported "cast" member was a four-month-old baby. "Some Filipino families really do live in pushcarts. This is the harsh reality," dzBB radio quoted the protesters as saying. The MPD set up a barricade at the Don Chino Roces bridge after the scuttle. -GMANews.TV