The heads of state attending the conference will undoubtedly bring their own security contingent with them and thus, such a show of force is unnecessary, according to IBON. The Philippine National Police (PNP) will reportedly field some 10,000 policemen while the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will send 3,100 soldiers.

The thousands of government security forces in Cebu may instead be intended to have a discouraging effect on demonstrations at the venue, and provide a false sense of stability from the growing unrest against the Arroyo administration.

Progressive groups have already planned an archipelago- wide caravan called "Voyagers for Peace" which will travel to Cebu from various parts of the country. Conferences by various cause-oriented groups and people's organizations are also planned and daily demonstrations are expected, but the AFP is over-reacting due to the continued instability and unacceptability of the Arroyo regime. (end)

IBON Foundation, Inc. is an independent development institution established in 1978 that provides research, education, publications, information work and advocacy support on socioeconomic issues.

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