Militants vow peaceful anti-SONA rally – NCRPO

MANILA, Philippines — Leaders of militant groups yesterday promised to hold a peaceful rally during President Duterte’s third State of the Nation Address on Monday.  

National Capital Region Police Office director Chief Superintendent Guillermo Eleazar said the rally leaders vowed to police their ranks to prevent a violent confrontation between their forces and the anti-riot squads of the NCRPO.

Eleazar said the rally leaders met with Chief Superintendent Joselito Esquivel, director of the Quezon City Police District and ground commander of the SONA security in Quezon City, for the final arrangements for the rally.

“So far, we had three meetings and yesterday they gave us the details where they would set up their stage and their meeting place prior to their march towards St. Peter’s Church along Commonwealth Avenue,” Eleazar said in an interview.

He also said the leaders asked for portalets, which the NCRPO will provide.

According to Eleazar, the leaders set ground rules for the rally. The NCRPO will bar anti-riot police from carrying firearms and will exercise maximum tolerance.

The rally leaders promised not to agitate the anti-riot police to prevent the outbreak of violence.

While the anti-government protesters were allowed to occupy Commonwealth Avenue, Duterte supporters were allowed to hold a separate rally along IBP Road – which was occupied for the last two SONAs by militant groups.

Eleazar said the NCRPO would maintain its heightened alert status before and after the SONA.

Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority will close a portion of Commonwealth Avenue, from Tandang Sora to Batasan Roads, starting at midnight on Monday.

For motorists coming from Fairview going to the Quezon Memorial Circle, they can turn right on Fairlane street, right to Dahlia Avenue, left on Lilac or Chestnut street, right on Republic Avenue, Don Gregorio Road, Old Sauyo Road to Mindanao Avenue and vice versa.

They can also turn right on Regalado Avenue, right on Republic Avenue, Don Gregorio Road, Old Sauyo Road to Mindanao Avenue and vice versa.

Motorists coming from the Quezon Memorial Circle may turn right on Visayas Avenue, left on Congressional Avenue, right on Mindanao Avenue, right on Old Sauyo Road or Quirino Highway.

Another option is to turn right on North Avenue, right on Mindanao Avenue, right on Old Sauyo Road or Quirino Highway.

The Quezon City government has suspended classes in all levels on Monday. In a separate advisory, the University of the Philippines said offices in its Diliman campus will also be closed on Monday. – Ghio Ong, Janvic Mateo