Police encountered no problem dealing with militant groups who staged a rally alongside President Gloria Arroyo’s delivery of the State of the Nation Address.
Three platoons of Crowd Dispersal Management personnel augmented by the Regional Mobile Group were deployed to protect the Malacañang sa Sugbu.
They were backed by fire trucks on standby ready to deploy water cannons against militants who might try to force their way to the Presidential Palace.
But it never happened as militants peacefully staged their protest yesterday morning, marching from Fuente Osmeña towards Colon and Plaza Independencia.
They also staged a “People’s State of the Nation Address” airing their sentiments on the situation of the nation and the urban poor, fisherfolks and the youth.
Bayan coordinator Jaime Paglinawan, said unemployment and human rights abuse continue to be the main problem of the country.
According to Sr. Supt. Patrocinio Comendador, the rally was peaceful and the protesters complied with their request not to totally block the streets especially near the gate of the Malacañang sa Sugbu. — Edwin Ian Melecio, Jasmin R. Uy/BRP