Police assign places for demonstrations during SONA

MANILA, Philippines—Reminiscent of similar past events, anti-government protesters will be a considerable distance away – and pro-administration forces comfortably close – to the Batasang Pambansa where President Aquino is set to deliver his State of the Nation Address on Monday.

Militant groups will be allowed to occupy the Quezon Memorial Circle to hold their protests “as per an approved rally permit,” according to a Philippine National Police  statement detailing its preparations for the event.

On the other hand, pro-administration demonstrators will be almost within striking distance of the Batasang Pambansa, as they are allowed to occupy the space in front of the Commission on Audit building, less than two kilometers away.

“Pro-PNOY rallyists are designated to hold their activities along Commonwealth Avenue in front of the COA Building, while anti-PNOY rallyists were allowed at the Quezon Memorial Circle as per an approved rally permit,” Quezon City Police District director George Regis said.

PNOY is an acronym for the President, whose nickname is “Noynoy.”

The Quezon Memorial Circle is 5.5 kilometers away from the Batasang Pambansa, where the House of Representatives holds sessions, while the COA building is  1.73 kilometers away, according to the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority.

Concerned police units have been placed on full alert status, except the PNP national headquarters and national support units, which are on heightened alert, said PNP Director General Raul M. Bacalzo.

The PNP advised motorists to steer clear of Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City on Monday, when a portion of its northbound stretch will be closed off to traffic.

The National Capital Region Police Office released Thursday the traffic re-routing scheme, which was to take effect on Monday from noon onward.