MANILA, Philippines - For the first time, militant groups were allowed to get close to the House of Representatives as President Duterte delivered his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) there yesterday.
Nearly 30,000 rallyists trooped to Quezon City and they were finally allowed to enter Batasan Road, the closest they have ever been to the House.
The decision to open the road to militant groups was only finalized on Sunday evening, following directives from Malacañang for a more conciliatory approach.
There were no barricades, unlike during previous SONAs.
Police officers led by Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa even walked side by side with the leaders and members of militant groups as they marched near Batasang Pambansa complex.
Dela Rosa also ordered cops to set aside their shields and relax as they monitor the movement of the protesters.
“We expect peace. We want to share our love to them. We want to love everyone,” he said.
Dela Rosa conducted troop inspection at the complex before the President’s SONA, which started at 4:06 p.m. and ended at 5:39 p.m.
Quezon City Police District Director Senior Supt. Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar said the last-minute decision to allow rallyists to stage a demonstration just 300 meters away from the House was welcomed by all groups, especially those from Mindanao.
Eleazar said the situation in the streets was non-confrontational, signaling a better relationship between police and militants, who had always been hostile toward each other during such events.
Netizens also commended the smooth flow of traffic along Commonwealth Avenue, in contrast to the gridlock during past SONAs.
Bayan secretary general Renato Reyes said he is happy that Duterte has fulfilled his promise during their meeting in Malacañang that he would allow militant groups to stage a rally near the House during his SONA.
He noted that Duterte’s SONA was far better than that of previous administrations. – With Robertzon Ramirez, Cecille Suerte Felipe