Public urged: Avoid areas near Batasan Complex

Protesters converge along Commonwealth Avenue ahead of President Rodrigo Duterte’s second Sona. JHESSET ENANO/INQUIRER

The public were advised to avoid Commonwealth Avenue and nearby areas as massive protests will be held near the Batasan Complex during President Rodrigo Duterte’s second State of the Nation Address (Sona).

“Nananawagan ako sa residente ng Quezon City at karatig-lugar, kung walang gagawin huwag na pumunta sa Batasan Complex, Commonwealth Avenue, at IBP Road San Mateo,” Quezon City police chief Senior Supt. Guillermo Eleazar told reporters.

(I am urging the residents of Quezon City and nearby areas, if you have no business there, avoid going to Batasan Complex, Commonwealth Avenue and IBP Road San Mateo.)

While classes were suspended in Quezon City for the Sona, the police chief said it might still be inconvenient for the residents to travel around.

READ: Klase sa lahat ng antas sa QC, kanselado sa araw ng SONA ni Pangulong Duterte

“Imagine the volume of vehicles that will be used by protesters na maghahatid at sundo sa protesters (that will bring and fetch the protesters). Sigurado inconvenient sa inyo (It will surely be inconvenient for you),” he said.

READ: MMDA issues traffic rerouting scheme for Duterte’s second Sona

The Philippine National Police earlier estimated a crowd of 15,000 to 20,000 protesters for the Sona.

About 6,000 policemen were deployed for the event. Frances Mangosing/IDL/rga