PNP: 1,790 SONA rallyists monitored; no untoward incidents reported

The Philippine National Police (PNP) monitored a total of 1,790 protesters amid President Rodrigo Duterte's 5th State of the Nation Address.

In a press statement, the PNP said the rallyists strictly complied with the set time limit and peacefully dispersed in areas of UP Diliman; the Commission on Human Rights' Main Gate; Barugo Road in Caloocan City; Plaza Rizal in Naga City, Camarines Sur; Legazpi City, Albay; Freedom Park in Virac, Catanduanes; and in Baguio City.

In general, the PNP said this year's SONA was generally peaceful and orderly, as no major untoward incident was reported.

PNP chief Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa welcomed the move of protest organizers and progressive groups to hold alternative forms of activities instead of holding mass gatherings at the risk of endangering public health.

Gamboa also praised the National Capital Region Police Office and the local government of Quezon City "for their preparations and well-coordinated efforts in observing maximum tolerance toward protesters who followed quarantine protocols set by the IATF."

Earlier, the NCRPO said at least 34 individuals were arrested on the day of Duterte's SONA. — DVM, GMA News