Some 100 protesters gather near Quezon Memorial Circle

MANILA, Philippines – A group of protesters started gathering near the Quezon Memorial Circle as early as 6:30 a.m. Monday, security guards stationed in the area of the Quezon Memorial Circle said.

They said the group was made up of at least 100 persons. They said that did not stay long in the area and marched off towards the direction of Commonwealth Avenue.

Protesters were allowed to use the Quezon Memorial Circle, in front of the Commission on Audit building, for their demonstrations.

Quezon City Chief Superintendent George Regis said they expected some 8,000 rallyists to take to the streets when President Benigno Aquino III delivers his State of the Nation Address at the Batasan Pambansa at 4 p.m. He added, however, that there might be a lower turnout as they expected rains to hit Metro Manila within the day.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) warned of rains in the afternoon or evening because of a low pressure area seen over the Pacific Ocean.

Some 7,000 policemen were deployed to secure the metropolis, said Senior Superintendent Dionardo Carlos, National Capital Region Police Office spokesman.