Collapsed screen, seized portalets are some minor Sona troubles

Protestors burn the effigy depicting President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte in their podiums while also behind them were the faces of American President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, respectively. INQUIRER.net / Faith Argosino

MANILA, Philippines — The third State of the Nation Address (Sona) of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday was generally peaceful, authorities said, but minor troubles hounded protests throughout the day.

Due to heavy rains and strong winds, the LED screen on the stage of pro-Marcos supporters near the Commission on Audit headquarters in Quezon City collapsed, according to an ABS-CBN News report.

However, the free concert during the demonstration went on despite the rains, according to the local government of Quezon City.

In another mishap, militant groups accused police of seizing their portalets.

Renato Reyes, president of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), said police seized their rented portalets, thinking it was theirs.

Reyes, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), said in Filipino:  “Hey, you should pay for its rent! Why do our policemen have this kind of attitude?!”

When sought for comment, Philippine National Police chief Col. Jean Fajardo said in a phone interview that she has no information about the incident yet.

Metro Manila police chief Major General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said more than 7,500 demonstrators of different persuasions took to streets of Commonwealth either to show their support and disdain to the Marcos administration.

READ: Heavy rains hound 7,500 demonstrators during Marcos’ Sona

Nartatez, in a later ambush interview, said this is way below their initial projection of about 10,000 pro-government participants and 8,000 members of militant organizations organizing for Marcos’ Sona.

In contrast, Nartatez said over 23,000 policemen and security forces were deployed — mostly in Commonwealth Avenue — to ensure the peace during the protests.

Police and militant groups had a face off during their demonstrations along Commonwealth Avenue, only divided by orange plastic barriers.

However, Nartatez noted that there was no heated confrontation between the anti-government protestors and authorities.

He also said that Commonwealth Avenue was cleared of protestors by 2:00 p.m. or a few hours before the Sona due to heavy rains.

In absence of heated confrontation, policemen’s riot shields served no purpose other than being used as protection against the rain.