Thousands of protesters are expected to converge in Makati, Manila, and Quezon City for Labor Day activities.<br /><br />Early this morning, militant group Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino began their march to Mendiola.<br /><br />Labor groups criticize the Aquino administration for supposedly failing to implement significant wage increases amid rising prices of basic commodities.<br /><br />They also call on government to address issues such as contractualization and unemployment. <br /><br />Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle is set to lead a mass for workers at Plaza Miranda in Manila. <br /><br />Meanwhile, hundreds of police and military personnel have been deployed to secure protests.<br /><br />Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Arnulfo Burgos says they have not monitored any threat of violence.<br /><br />The troops were ordered to observe maximum tolerance in dealing with demonstrators.<br /><br />- Mornings@ANC, 1 May 2013
