15000 Rallyists Are Expected To Show Up At Duterte’s SONA
AUTHORITIES – The local authorities are now considering preparations for the upcoming SONA of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.
Last year, President Duterte delivered his third State Of The Nation Address (SONA), where he mentioned his promises to: fight drugs and crime, abolish corruption and governance, improve social services, initiate massive infrastructure program, implement peace agenda, protect the environment and improve country’s economy.
The president’s SONA last year was held at Batang Pambansa Complex on July 23.
On Monday, chief Maj. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) revealed that the authorities will be anticipating huge crowds of protesters to show up at the President’s SONA.
The set date for the event would be on July 22.
In a conversation with the reporters, Eleazar stated the approximated number of protesters and gave his assurance that the police will be prepared. He said:
“15,000 more or less… kasi parang binabase natin last year. Kung magdagdag man o hindi, we can accommodate them kahit pa dumami yun.”
[15,000 (protesters) more or less… because were kind of basing it on last year’s numbers. If there would be more or not, we can accommodate them, even if they increased in number.]
This number is only approximated for Quezon City and Commonwealth.
Other ares where rallyists might hold their protests were also revealed by Eleazar. The areas include: US Embassy, Liwasang Bonifacio and Chino Roces Bridge located in Mendiola.
He also gave his assurance to the public that the local police forces are ready to maintain peace and order during the annual event.
About 15,000 police officers and force multipliers will be sent to different posts around Metro Manila.
Out of the 15,000 total, he said 9000 police officers and force multipliers will be deployed in Quezon City.
This is according to an article from GMA News.
No reports of any threat was monitored for the event.
That is all there is to it, at least for now. We’ll post updates as soon as we got them.