PHNO-HL: PROTESTERS FAIL TO STOP GMA FROM LEAVING VMMC / SUPPORTERS GATHER

PROTESTERS FAIL TO STOP GMA FROM LEAVING VMMC /
SUPPORTERS GATHER
[PHOTO -YES WAY: She tried
to stop former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on her
way out of Veterans Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City but her convoy took
the other way. MARIANNE BERMUDEZ]
MANILA, JULY
27, 2012 (INQUIRER) By Julie M. Aurelio -
Angry protesters tried but failed to stop former President and now
Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo from going home Wednesday
afternoon after she posted bail.
Arroyo left Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) in Quezon City shortly
before 3 p.m., riding a white van hours after she posted bail in a Pasay City
court.
But instead of exiting through the main gate on North Avenue, her convoy
passed by a smaller gate on Mindanao Avenue, away from the throng of media
people, protesters and supporters who waited to see her.
What greeted them was the black vehicle of Arroyo's lawyer Ferdinand Topacio,
whose path was blocked by media people and even angry protesters who had been
waiting since 11 a.m. despite the unbearable heat.
News crews barred
When the news broke out, more than 50 members of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan
and allied groups dashed to Mindanao Avenue in a bid to catch up with the former
President's seven-vehicle convoy.
The protesters tried again to block the convoy on Mindanao Avenue but the
vehicles slowly made their way through the crowd.
Sadly for news crews tailing Arroyo, guards at the posh La Vista subdivision
barred them from entering the gated village.
The convoy arrived at the subdivision shortly before 3:30 p.m.
Outside the sprawling house on 14 Badjao St., the gate was seen partially
open, revealing a team of around 10 police officers standing on the lawn.
Two police ambulances and a mobile patrol were parked on the street, along
with the white van which brought Arroyo home.
A black SUV with an "8" plate was seen driving away from the house.
Elsewhere along the street, it seemed as if neighbors were still unaware that
the congresswoman had arrived from her eight-month hospital stay at VMMC, as
there were no onlookers seen peering from their gates to check what was going
on.
Superintendent Michael Macapagal of the Anonas police station said the police
officers assigned to the Arroyo house were from the Police Security and
Protection Group.
"We are just tasked with manning the periphery of La Vista," he told
reporters outside the subdivision gates.
Upon her arrival at La Vista, Arroyo, wearing her neck brace and a scapular
over her dark blouse, was seen waving to her supporters also gathered outside
the subdivision.
One of her lawyers, Raul Lambino, said the former President would most likely
stay the night at the exclusive subdivision to receive visitors.
"She was very happy when we learned that the bail was granted, as she is
innocent of the accusations," Lambino said.
Asked about Arroyo's condition, VMMC director Nona Legaspi said in a text
message that the former President "is OK" and that her condition had improved.

She added that Arroyo's "medical needs once out on bail will be her (Arroyo)
concern."
Protesters try to block Arroyo convoy By Matikas
Santos INQUIRER.net 2:52 pm | Wednesday, July 25th, 2012

[PHOTO - A handful
of angry protesters from various militant groups block the white Toyota coaster
carrying former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. The vehicle was en route to
her home in La Vista, Village, Quezon City, Wednesday afternoon after it picked
up Arroyo from the Veterans Memorial Medical Center following a court ruling
allowing her to post bail. Video by Matikas Santos
]
MANILA, Philippines—Members of militant groups who are protesting the release
order of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo are trying to block the white
convoy bearing the jailed leader.
The white convoy is trying to come out at gate 2 of the Veterans Memorial
Medical Center towards Mindanao Avenue.
The policemen at the area are helpless in stopping the protesters composed of
members of League of Filipino Students, Gabriela, Bayan Muna and Bayan.
Pro-Gloria Arroyo 'volunteers' at VMMC gate increasing in
number By Matikas Santos INQUIRER.net

[PHOTO VIDEO -GLORIA
PA RIN' Supporters of jailed leader Gloria Macapagal Arroyo who called
themselves "volunteers" converged Wednesday noon at Gate 1 of the Veteran
Memorial Medical Center, about 20 meters away from militant groups protesting
the release of the former President. Video by Matikas
Santos, INQUIRER.net]

MANILA, Philippines—They're increasing in numbers every minute.
From a group of 30, ralliers who called themselves volunteers for former
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo converged on Wednesday noon at gate 1 of the
Veteran Memorial Medical Center bearing placards that speak of their love for
the jailed leader.
By 2 p.m., their number increased to around 200, more than the number of
anti-Arroyo militants who were already at VMMC since mid-morning. The militant
groups are composed of Gabriela, Bayan Muna, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan,
Pamalakaya, among others.
The pro-Arroyo "volunteers" told earlier to INQUIRER.net they're from a
community near Sto. Domingo Church in Quezon City and that nobody paid them to
show support for Arroyo.
About 30 riot policemen are guarding the gate of VMMC while less than 10
traffic enforces from the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) are manning
the flow of vehicles at the intersection along North Avenue.



Chief News Editor: Sol Jose Vanzi
© Copyright, 2012 by PHILIPPINE HEADLINE NEWS ONLINE
All
rights reserved




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