DESPITE a significant police presence, an estimated 100 rallyists gathered at Freedom Park along Roxas Avenue in Davao City to demand a legislated wage increase and respect for workers’ rights as part of the 123rd Labor Day.
The protest, organized by CFO Bayan-SMR, saw participants voicing a range of demands under the watchful eyes of Police Station 2 personnel and the Davao Police Auxiliary.
From 8:40 a.m. until 11:37 a.m., police officers led by Police Captain Narciso N. Potot Jr. maintained intensified visibility and area security, acting under the direct supervision of Police Major Emmanuel D. Manlatican, the station commander.
The demonstrators, carrying banners representing various organizations, including Bayan Muna Party, KMU (Kilusang Mayo Uno), ACT (Alliance of Concerned Teachers), PBB, Anakbayan, Gabriela, and Kabataan Partylist, articulated their calls for better labor conditions and social justice.
Slogans on display echoed these sentiments, demanding “Suholan, trabaho, katungod bawasan, kinaiyahan, hustisya, kapuy-anan, pagkaon, edukasyon, yuta, panglawas, demokrasya” – wages, jobs, reduced rights, environment, justice, rest, food, education, land, health, and democracy.
Other prominent banners and slogans included calls to “Defend Worker Freedom Association,” “Imperyalismo Ibagsak” (Down with Imperialism), “Abolish NTF-ELCAC” (National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict), “Paubsan ang singil sa kuryente ug tubig” (Lower electricity and water bills), “Makabuhing Suholan pakigbisugan” (Fight for a living wage), “Unionism is not a crime,” and “No to PUV phaseout” (Public Utility Vehicle phaseout).
The demonstration concluded peacefully just around noon.
Capt Hazel Caballero, the spokesperson of the Davao City Police Office, reported no untoward incidents, indicating a well-managed event and a disciplined assembly by the participating rallyists.
“The strong police presence reflects the ongoing tensions surrounding such protests, even as the participants successfully voiced their demands without any reported disturbances,” she said.
