While the ASEAN SOMRI attendees were having their meeting, the crowd gathered to protest.
ASEAN SOMRI – The people assembled to protest against the imperialism while the 15th meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Senior Officials Responsible for Information (SOMRI) is happening, Bacolod City.
Recently, a social media post on the Facebook page of The Visayan Daily Star stated that a protest against imperialism is currently happening.
It could be seen in the posted photos that the people gathered near Bacolod City’s public plaza – also near the SMX Convention Center where the 15th ASEAN SOMRI meeting is currently being held.
“Stop privitization,” “Free health care,” “End imperialist plunder,” and “Imperyalismo ibagsak” were just some of those lines that were stated in the banners carried by the militants.
Lots of the uniformed police authorities were also there in the area to maintain security. Based on the photos, the policemen lined up to block the way to the venue of the meeting.
Based on a previous news report, the 15th ASEAN SOMRI meeting started at around 9:00 o’clock in the morning today. The said event is a two-day gathering and is expected to be participated by around 80 delegates including the officials of the ASEAN Secretariat.
Some ASEAN delegates who arrived on the venue early had their picture taking before the members of the press.
Among those who were spotted on the event were Bacolod City Mayor Evelio ‘Bing’ Leonardia who gave the welcome remarks and Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Ismael Sueno who gave an inspirational message.
Other city officials just like Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran and Representative Greg Gasataya were also spotted on the event.
It was SOMRI Chair and Communications Undersecretary Noel George Puyat who spoke before the delegates and gave a keynote message.
The Masskara dancers performed to entertain the attendees of the event and to showcase their dancing talent.
Furthermore, the ASEAN delegates also gathered on the stage for the group photo according to a previous news report.
Reportedly, Mayor Leonardia has asked the Bacolodnons to warmly welcome the ASEAN delegates and as well as their families.
Moreover, the city mayor has also asked the public to bear with the inconvenience that might be brought by the gathering.
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