Rallyists clash in Makati

Hundreds of rock-throwing pro-Estrada protesters went on a rampage on Ayala Avenue in Makati City yesterday as the Armed Forces and the Philippine National Police withdrew their support for President Estrada.

Two people were injured in the clash between anti- and pro-Estrada protesters. They were identified as Mercedes Villanueva and Roger Rosales.

Anti-riot policemen prevented the incident from getting out of hand. The incident occurred a few hours after Metro Manila police commander Director Edgardo Aglipay asked leaders of the two groups to avoid any violence.

About 300 youths, chanting the President’s nickname "Erap," marched along the length of Ayala Avenue, sending the business district into panic.

Terrified office workers ran for cover as the youths hurled rocks and insults and attacked people who flashed a thumbs-down sign at them.

Plastic water bottles, rocks and building materials rained down on the rioters, forcing them back as office workers and construction workers fought back from high rises and building sites.

Witnesses said the pro-Estrada rallyists had attempted to hold a rally on Ayala Avenue, but stock brokers and other workers on their way to lunch or to join an opposition rally across town taunted them, provoking the street fighting.

Police said the pro-Estrada rallyists were allowed to demonstrate from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., while the anti-Estrada protesters were scheduled to arrive at 5 p.m.

Aglipay said initial reports showed some 3,000 pro-Estrada rallyists would be marching in front of the Ninoy Aquino monument at the corner of Paseo Roxas and Ayala Avenue.

Anti-Estrada office workers in buildings threw coins on the pro-Estrada demonstrators as they marched along Ayala Avenue yesterday.

In retaliation, the pro-Estrada protesters threw stones, garbage, and in some cases hurled coins at the anti-Estrada crowd who were heckling them.

Police said the estimated 6,000 pro-Estrada demonstrators were led by Caloocan City Rep. Luis "Baby" Asistio and Antique town Mayor Rey Roquero.

Separated by an iron railing on a traffic island and by anti-riot police, the anti- and pro-Estrada demonstrators started taunting one another.

Witnesses said the jeering turned violent after pro-Estrada protesters started hurling stones, plants and other objects at a group of employees at the entrance of an office building.

Chairman Jejomar Binay of the Metro Manila Development Authority was also present at Ayala Avenue yesterday, along with Mayors Ricardo Papa of Taguig, Ismael Mathay Jr. of Quezon City; Bayani Fernando of Marikina, Toby Tiangco of Navotas and Amado Vicencio of Malabon.

At the University Belt in Manila, pro-Estrada rallyists nearly clashed with militant students along Nicanor Reyes street in front of Far Eastern University.

Police said some 40 pro-Estrada fanatics arrived at Nicanor Reyes street and Claro M. Recto Avenue at about 2 p.m. while Manila anti-riot policemen led by Chief Inspector Billy Beltran, backed up by two firetrucks, were manning the barricades.

Police said they chased the pro-Estrada demonstrators back to Chino Roces Bridge where officials of the Presidential Commission on the Urban Poor interceded for them.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Alfredo Lim denied yesterday reports he had ordered police to stop anti-Estrada rallyists from northern and southern Luzon to enter Metro Manila.

Reports said anti-Estrada protesters from the provinces intended to proceed to the corner of Ortigas Avenue and EDSA to join their comrades in demanding for the resignation of Mr. Estrada.

Earlier, Pampanga Gov. Lito Lapid asked his constituents to take passenger jeepneys and buses on their way to Metro Manila for the anti-Estrada rally.

Lim said he had ordered police to maintain peace and order in all points where rallies are being held, and not block the entry to Metro Manila of anti-Estrada protesters.

Across Malacañang, pro-Estrada forces massed at Chino Roces in anticipation of anti-Estrada demonstrators who were planning to march to the Palace.

Last Thursday night, Laguna Gov. Joey Lina urged anti-Estrada rallyists at EDSA to march to Chino Roces, saying the bridge is a symbol of "the people’s free expression."

A huge streamer placed near a makeshift stage at the foot of Chino Roces read: "Sagot sa Resign Call, Rebolusyon" (Our Answer to the Resign Call: Revolution).

Pro-Estrada protesters stalled a 12-wheeler truck at the corner of San Sebastian and Claro M. Recto Avenue, some 20 meters away from Chino Roces.

Beltran, who led a 1,000-man police detail at Chino Roces, said his men could not pull out the truck as such action may provoke the pro-Estrada demonstrators. — With reports from Nestor Etolle, Perseus Echeminada, Cecille Suerte-Felipe, Mike Frialde, Jose Aravilla, Rainier Allan Ronda