Protesters Gather During Fourth State of Nation Address
MANILA, Philippines — More than 4,000 protesters gathered near Saint Peter’s Parish along Commonwealth Avenue on Monday afternoon as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivered his fourth State of the Nation Address (Sona) at Batasan Pambansa. The Philippine National Police (PNP) reported no major incidents throughout the event, ensuring a peaceful environment despite the large crowds.
Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, spokesperson for the PNP, confirmed in a statement that the demonstrations remained orderly. However, militant group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan claimed the number of protesters reached as many as 10,000, highlighting differing estimates of the crowd size. Meanwhile, the police have yet to release figures for the pro-Marcos rally held at the Sandiganbayan.
Strong Security Presence Ensures Safety
Earlier that day, PNP Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III announced the deployment of 16,000 police officers and 7,000 force multipliers. Their mission was to secure the president’s address to Congress and manage the protests responding to the speech. This massive security effort helped maintain order during the demonstrations and the event itself.
Despite the large turnout and the heightened tension often surrounding political gatherings, the police ensured a safe and calm atmosphere. Protesters occupied more than half of the highway in the area, yet no untoward incidents were reported, sources said.
Peaceful Demonstrations Mark Fourth Sona
The fourth State of the Nation Address attracted significant public attention, with groups voicing their opinions through peaceful protest. The PNP’s effective monitoring and crowd control helped prevent any escalation or violence during the event. Local leaders noted the importance of allowing citizens to express themselves while safeguarding public safety.
As the president delivered his address, demonstrators remained vocal but orderly, showing the balance between democratic expression and public security. The PNP’s careful planning and large deployment were crucial in achieving this outcome.
For more news and updates on the fourth State of the Nation Address, visit Filipinokami.com.
