Labor Day protests kick off

Thousands of protesters are expected to converge in Makati, Manila, and Quezon City for Labor Day activities.

Early this morning, militant group Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino began their march to Mendiola.

Labor groups criticize the Aquino administration for supposedly failing to implement significant wage increases amid rising prices of basic commodities.

They also call on government to address issues such as contractualization and unemployment.

Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle is set to lead a mass for workers at Plaza Miranda in Manila.

Meanwhile, hundreds of police and military personnel have been deployed to secure protests.

Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Arnulfo Burgos says they have not monitored any threat of violence.

The troops were ordered to observe maximum tolerance in dealing with demonstrators.

- Mornings@ANC, 1 May 2013