Militants stage 'People's SONA' outside PH Consulate in New York

NEW YORK — More than a hundred activists gathered in front of the Philippine Consulate General in New York to stage a protest dubbed the "People's State of the Nation Address" (PSONA).

The demonstration was organized by militant groups Migrante, Malaya Movement, Gabriela USA, and BAYAN USA. It was held on July 27, Sunday (US time), ahead of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s fourth State of the Nation Address before Philippine Congress.

Protesters voiced their grievances over what they described as the slow response of the Philippine Consulate and the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. to the arrest of Filipinos affected by the new immigration policy of US President Donald Trump.

The groups also condemned the alleged US militarization of the Philippines, including the deployment of American ammunition and military arsenal—warning that such actions could further escalate geopolitical tensions between America, China, and the Philippines.

They likewise criticized what they called an "unequal trade agreement" entered into by Marcos with Trump, claiming the deal puts the Philippines at an economic disadvantage.

Additionally, the protesters slammed the Philippine government's slow response to the recent widespread flooding in the country, which has claimed the lives of more than 31 individuals.

After nearly three hours of peaceful protest, the demonstrators dispersed without incident. — VDV, GMA Integrated News