The rally will be held at Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila. —Screenshot from Google Earth Street View
MANILA, Philippines — A coalition of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s supporters will hold a rally ahead of the third State of the Nation Address (Sona) of his successor, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Maj. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., chief of the National Capital Region Police Office, told reporters about the rally in an ambush interview on Friday at Camp Karingal, the headquarters of Quezon City Police District.
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It was earlier reported that the rally will be held during Marcos’ Sona.
However, Manila Police District spokesperson Major Philipp Ines confirmed that the event will be held on Saturday, July 20.
“They have a request from the city government, tomorrow, July 20,” Ines told INQUIRER.net in a text message.
“They have applied [for a permit], but it’s a freedom park,” he said in an ambush interview at Camp Karingal during a send-off ceremony for personnel who will secure Sona.
Liwasang Bonifacio is a freedom park where political gatherings may be conducted even without government permits.
About 5,000 people are expected to attend the rally, Nartatez said.
Progressive groups and pro-government demonstrators are also expected to conduct a rally during Marcos’ Sona.
Nartatez said the total number of police and government security elements deployed to secure Sona is now at 23,000 after being augmented by another 1,000 personnel.