Heavy rains hound 7,500 demonstrators during Marcos’ Sona

Protesters gather along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City, hours before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers his third State of the Nation Address on Monday, July 22, 2024. INQUIRER.net/ Faith Argosino

MANILA, Philippines — Heavy rains and strong winds hounded the demonstration of over 7,500 pro and anti-government demonstrators during President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s third State of the Nation Address.

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said a total of 7,510 individuals protested along the streets of Commonwealth Ave. in Quezon City.

NCRPO said about 4,500 pro-government forces staged demonstrations along Commonwealth Avenue near Sandiganbayan and Commission on Audit headquarters.

Due to heavy rains and strong winds, the LED screen on the stage of pro-Marcos supporters collapsed, according to an ABS-CBN News report.

READ: Live Updates: SONA 2024

On the other hand, about 3,010 members of militant groups staged protests along Tandang Sora Avenue and Commonwealth Avenue.

Earlier, protesters led by the Bagong Alyansa Makabayan concluded its program by burning an effigy in front of Diliman Doctors Hospital at Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City.

READ: Sona 2024: Police to enforce law on effigy burning but no arrests so far

Philippine National Police spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said the police will file charges against those who participated in the burning of effigy.

Fajardo said the protestors from both sectors dispersed before Marcos’ Sona due to heavy rains.

She also noted that the activities during Sona are generally peaceful.