Report: 1,000 militants troop to Plaza Miranda vs antiterror law

Some 1,000 militants marched to the Plaza Miranda freedom park in Manila's Quiapo district Friday morning to register their protest to the antiterrorism law. Radio dzBB reported that the militants, carrying placards and streamers denouncing the Human Security Act, threatened to disrupt masses at the nearby Quiapo church. The militants started their march near the University of Santo Tomas on España Avenue at the University Belt area in Manila's Sampaloc district. No confrontation with Manila police was reported. Manila police are guarding Mendiola Bridge near Malacañang after Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim allowed rallies there only on weekends and holidays. Participants at the march included members of the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), Confederation for the Unity, Recognition and Advancement of Government Employees (Courage), Alliance of Health Workers (AHW), and Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU). Organizers said the march was meant to protest against the impending implementation of the anti-terror law this Monday. They also brought "learning materials" to "educate" the public on the dangers of the antiterrorism law and how it could be used to justify extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and human rights violations. - GMANews.TV