1,500 cops to secure EDSA anniversary celebration

At least 1,500 anti-riot policemen would be deployed starting today to secure the protest rally to be staged by militant groups at the People Power Monument in Quezon City, a police official said yesterday.

National Capital Region Police Office (NCPRO) chief Director Oscar Albayalde directed his men to exercise maximum tolerance during the protest rally organized by militant workers.

Albayalde said no particular group applied for a permit to stage the protest rally but several militant groups have coordinated with the office of Quezon City police director Chief Supt. Guillermo Eleazar for the rally.

“We would allow them to shout their hearts out but they must police their own ranks to prevent violence,” said Albayalde, noting that the anti-riot cops would be deployed some 50 meters away from the rally site.

If possible, Albayalde asked the protest rally leaders not to occupy EDSA to prevent traffic gridlock.

The protesters can occupy only one lane of the road going to White Plains subdivision and allow vehicles to use the other lane.

The militant groups claimed they would gather at the People Power Monument to call for the resignation of President Duterte, whom they accused of being a dictator and about to declare martial law in the country.

The activists would stage their protest rally today and tomorrow while the government organizers have set the celebration of the 32nd anniversary of the EDSA People Power celebration in the same area on Sunday.

To commemorate the EDSA People Power anniversary, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is offering over 5,000 overseas and local jobs to jobseekers.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III urged jobseekers from Metro Manila to participate in the Trabaho, Negosyo, Kabuhayan (TNK) job and business fair to be held at the Quezon City Hall grounds.

“Take advantage of the available local and overseas jobs,” Bello said, as he reminded applicants to bring all the necessary requirements.

Bello said the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) reported that 10 recruitment agencies will be offering 5,000 job vacancies in Qatar, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Papua New Guinea, Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan and Malaysia.

Aside from the overseas jobs, Bello said, there are also 442 local job openings for sales associate, management trainee, cashier/counter checker, accounting assistant, graphic artist, account sales executive, helper, IT programmer, sales administrative assistant, buyer, carpenter, installer, mechanical engineer, merchandising assistant, painter and plumber.

Meanwhile, the Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA) is launching today its National Integration Scholarship Program (NISP) for indigenous people (IP), rebel returnees and Muslim Filipinos.

TESDA director general Guiling Mamondiong said they are also giving free services such as haircut and massage during the event.

There will also be skills and product demonstrations, exhibits and cultural presentations.