RP police put on full alert

RP police put on full alert

MANILA (AFP): Philippine police went on full alert on the eve of planned nationwide protests on Tuesday against President Joseph Estrada's plans to rewrite the constitution, a police spokesman said on Monday.

The government has granted permits for the protests, to be led by the Roman Catholic church and leftist groups, but President Joseph Estrada warned organizers to beware of communist guerrilla trouble-makers "who have no other purpose but to sabotage the economy".

All police leave was canceled and the 113,000-member force are on call for the next 24 hours "to ensure the readiness of all (Philippine National Police) personnel in securing the safety of the people", police spokesman Superintendent Nicanor Bartolome said.

About 7,000 policemen are assigned to maintain order on Tuesday at a central Manila square where the leftists are to hold a rally, and at a suburban Manila church where religious leaders are to hold their prayer rally, he added.