Mendiola Street, Manila is under the tight watch of over 1,600 police officers amid Labor Day protests, according to a report by RH 15 Jecelle Ricafort.

The police have barricaded the area with barbed wire and a container van.

Speaking to DZRH, NCR Police Office (NCRPO) Spokesperson PMaj. Hazel Asilo said Mendiola is now off-limits to protesters, who are limited to San Sebastian in Recto.

NCRPO Director PMGen. Anthony Aberin commanded his men to exercise maximum tolerance to avoid tensions with the protesters.

When asked whether the police had prepared special security measures for the event, Aberin said they were implementing regular intensified anti-criminality operations.

The operations include erecting checkpoints, sending out officers on foot and mobile patrol, and deploying personnel from the Civil Disturbance Management unit.

Multiple groups gathered at Mendiola from various areas in Metro Manila to stage a Labor Day demonstration. According to the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, their group, accompanied by the Kilusang Mayo Uno, will head to the United States Embassy afterwards.

Following the riot during the September 21 rally last year—which resulted in multiple non-fatal casualties—police are no longer permitting entry to demonstrators into Mendiola.