PNP, JTF COVID Shield warn labor groups against Labor Day rallies

Authorities, including the Joint Task Force COVID Shield and the Philippine National Police (PNP), had warned labor groups against holding Labor Day rallies due to health risks amid the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar of the JTF COVID Shield stated that protest actions would expose workers and their families to the risk of coronavirus infection.

PNP chief Gen. Archie Gamboa discouraged such plans, emphasizing the need to prioritize public health and safety, and warned that individuals violating ECQ rules by holding protest actions would face penalties.

Despite the warnings, members of the Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino labor group held a protest in Rodriguez, Rizal, observing social distancing.

However, the PNP reported that many labor and transport groups had abandoned their plans for mass actions, and thanked group leaders for heeding the call against mass gatherings.