A combined force of some 24,000 personnel from the Philippine National Police and Metro Manila Development Authority were deployed around the Batasang Pambansa Complex to provide security for President Marcos’ third State of the Nation Address today.
Some 8,000 protesters representing various groups are expected to attempt to air their grievances while the President delivers his report, the PNP said.
Checkpoints were put in place around the Quezon Memorial Circle and stationed a mobile police outpost along Commonwealth Avenue.
Agun ban is currently in effect in Metro Manila and will expire at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday.
The Batasang Pambansa has been on lockdown since Saturday.
For its part, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said it will help ensure the President’s security during his SONA.
AFP spokesperson Col. Margareth Padilla said they are ready to provide additional troops to augment security.
The Quezon City Police District will also impose a city-wide liquor ban from 12:01 a.m. to 6 p.m. today to maintain public order and reduce the risk of alcohol-related incidents.
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte suspended classes on all levels in both private and public schools.
“The nationwide gun ban, city-wide liquor ban, and class suspension are crucial steps to ensure the safety and security of our citizens during the SONA,” QCPD director Redrico Maranan said.
Meanwhile, the Commission on Human Rights called on the PNP to respect the rights of various groups and individuals to hold peaceful protests during the SONA.
“SONA has also become a vital platform for various groups and individuals to express their views, stances, and grievances on critical national issues, which is integral to a vibrant and thriving democracy,” the CHR said in a statement.
“By ensuring that these rights are upheld, the government expresses its dedication to democratic principles and protection of human rights,” it added.
Among the protesters will be the transport group Manibela, which announced that it will be staging a strike today.
Interviewed over dzBB, Manibela president Mar Valbuena said that about 4,000 members would participate in the transport strike to dramatize their continued objection to the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).
The protest action will begin outside the CHR office in Diliman, Quezon City at noon, he said.
