Manila police: Rally at Liwasang Bonifacio peaceful

MANILA, Philippines - Police on Friday night described the rally at the Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila by anti-government critics as peaceful as it nears its end. Manila Police District (MPD) director Chief Superintendent Roberto Rosales said they estimate the crowd to number between 4,500 to 5,000 people. "It's a peaceful one. Walang reproted violence, no reported complaint from the rallyists na sila'y hinarass or refused to proceed to their convergence area," Rosales said in a phone interview. He said not even one of the 3,000 policemen placed on standby near Liwasang Bonifacio were mobilized to address any tension. "Yan ang nakukuha natin sa pag-uusap muna last Thursday, prior to holding the rally," Rosales said. Asked if there were seditious statements issued at the rally, the police officer said: "I don't know. Di ko na rin pinakikinggan yun." The rally, participated in by some youth groups and militant organizations like the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, started at 3 p.m. and would last until 8 p.m. - GMANews.TV