Despite the widespread protests organized by various labor and progressive groups across the country, the Philippine National Police (PNP) stated that the Labor Day observance remained peaceful.
Chief PNP Spokesperson PBGen, Jean S. Fajardo noted that the situation was "relatively peaceful" despite the protests held across the nation.
She said that a total of 26 rallies have been monitored nationwide, with the highest number of protests taking place in CALABARZON, followed by Metro Manila, and some in Region 7.
Over 60,000 police personnel were on alert to ensure the safety and peace during the Labor Day commemoration this year.
Furthermore, Manila Police District (MPD) Chief Benigno Guzman stated that the protests across Metro Manila were "relatively peaceful."
“Naging peaceful naman, naging mapayapa naman ang rally ng mga grupo nagdaos ng kanilang programa, dito sa may area ng San Sebastian,” Guzman emphasized.
There were no reported injuries, except for one police officer who injured his hand on a barbed wire but received immediate medical attention.
From Liwasang Bonifacio and España Boulevard, the various labor and progressive groups marched towards Mendiola.
However, they were stopped at Recto Avenue, in front of the University of the East, due to barricades set up by police, which included barbed wire.
One of the main demands of the protesters was an increase in the minimum wage.
“Deserve ng mga manggagawang Pilipino na mabuhay naman kami ng disente. Kaya we are urging [President] Bongbong Marcos to certified a certain bill ang 200 at kailangan din i-certified as urgent bill ang 1,200 pesos na dagdag sahod para sa lahat ng manggagawang Pilipino.” senatorial candidate Jerome Adonis affirmed.
The groups explained that the current wages of ordinary workers are no longer sufficient to cope with the rising prices of basic goods, especially electricity, water, and other necessities.
They urged the government to find ways to improve the living conditions of Filipino families and lift them out of poverty.
More than 100 workers and groups from marginalized sectors gathered at the side of Mendiola near Legarda early in the day.
In España and Liwasang Bonifacio, an estimated 5,000 people joined the rally, with around 1,500 more arriving later in the day, according to MPD Chief General Guzman.
“Hindi happy ang Labor Day kasi hindi pa sumasagot ang ating gobyerno doon sa kahilingan natin, itaas ang sahod ng mga manggagawa,” said senatorial candidate and labor leader Leody de Guzman.
He emphasized that the wage increase should be ₱1,500, based on the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) recommendation from 2018.
“Itaas ang sahod, itigil ang contractualization, at bigyan ng kalayaan ang mangaggawa na magtayo ng unyon, yan ay basic ipagkaloob niyo yan sa manggagawa,” de Guzman added.
Despite the strong demands and large gatherings, PNP ensured that peace and order prevailed across the country on this Labor Day.
