Philippines: Activists plan to stage protest caravan in Metro Manila Feb. 1

Event

Student activists and jeepney drivers plan to stage a protest caravan in Metro Manila Feb. 1. The action is to oppose the government's jeepney modernization program, which will allegedly affect the drivers' income, and denounce the government's decision to terminate legislation that banned the presence of military and police personnel on University of Philippines campuses. Demonstrators will gather at the Quezon Hall of University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman from 1030 and begin the mobile protest to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) at 1300. They will stage a demonstration at LTFRB from 1400 before returning to UP Diliman's Quezon Hall at 1800. Dozens to hundreds of people may participate in the action.

Authorities will highly likely increase security at the protest sites as a precaution. Localized road closures and business disruptions are likely during the action, especially along the protest route between UP Diliman's Quezon Hall and LTFRB. While unlikely, clashes between activists and security forces are possible. Mass arrests may occur if security forces consider the action to violate coronavirus disease (COVID-19) restrictions.

Advice

Avoid the protest sites Feb. 1 as a precaution. Plan for localized transport and business disruptions. If violence occurs nearby, immediately depart the area and seek shelter at a safe, non-government building. Heed all official security and transport advisories.