Sunday, February 26, 2006

Next Move?


Well, the standoff between the Philippino Government and the rebellious marines (at least they were insubordinate) is over and it sounds like those civilian opposed to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (PGMA) dispersed.

However, during the standoff it was reported by that students and others wanting to see PGMA step down (or be removed) from office were gathering at the University of the Philippines - Diliman campus. At the time of the initial reports of this gathering the opposition at UP-Diliman were claiming they had about 1,000 people ready to go and they believed by the time all the other groups arrived they would be about 15,000 strong.

UP students marching to Fort Bonifacio
By INQ7.net

MANDALUYONG CITY--Student activists and militant groups are now gathering at the University of the Philippines Oblation in Diliman, Quezon City, as they prepare to march to Fort Bonifacio.

Inquirer columnist and UP professor Randy David is leading the rally, according to a report from GMA-7 radio station dzBB.

A crowd reportedly numbering 1, 000 has already gathered in front of the UP Oblation. The marchers are still waiting to link up with other activists, and have estimated that they will muster a force of 15, 000.

David and the protesters have vowed not to hold and attend classes at the university until President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is removed from power.
Source: INQ7 - Running Account
However, the UPD protesters will not march until the morn:
Inquirer columnist and UP professor Randy David told dzBB in a separate interview that it is unlikely they will move tonight because of the dangers of marching in darkness. He said they will continue gathering rallyists tonight before marching in full force in the morning.
Source: INQ7 - Running Account


Now, a later report on INQ7 (see the links above) informs us the civilians have broken up but I have heard nothing not even speculation on the other websites. All signs point to a march Monday morning in the Philippines (Sunday evening US) and my guess is there will be some hardcore agitators there who will be doing their dangdest to provoke the police and military into using lethal force.
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