Marcos’ 2nd SONA generally peaceful, orderly — PNP

No serious untoward incidents were monitored in connection with the conduct of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s second State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.

In a statement on Monday evening, the PNP said there were no such incidents reported at Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City, other locations in Metro Manila, and key cities across the country where mass actions and public assemblies were held, including the transport strike.

Police provided security and police assistance in concerned areas, as well as observed maximum tolerance despite some “uncalled-for actions” by protesters like burning of effigies and “illegal” assemblies that obstructed traffic, according to the PNP.

While no arrests were made, the PNP said violators of the law will be prosecuted to the fullest extent.

“Once again, my congratulations to all deployed personnel for a job well done, and my heartfelt thanks to all other agencies who helped in the maintenance of peace and order.  Together, let us build a safer and more secure nation for all,” PNP chief Police General Benjamin Acorda Jr. said.

In a separate statement, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Police Brigadier General Jose Melencio Nartatez said, “Nobody was harmed or injured as the participants of mass demonstrations in Metro Manila kept their activities in adherence to policies and bounds of the law.”

Nartatez said more than 14,000 people participated in pro- and anti-administration SONA activities.

“My gratitude also goes to the more than 14,000 participants from the cause-oriented sector and the pro-PBBM supporters for keeping their promises in expressing their sentiments soberly and orderly,” he said.

“It is the coordination among groups and cooperation of everyone that lead to the solemn, orderly, and peaceful conduct of SONA 2023,” he added.

Progressive groups started their activities in Quezon Memorial Circle and along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City as early as 7 a.m. and ended around 2 p.m.

Meanwhile, Marcos supporters held a concert near Sandiganbayan from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. — BAP, GMA Integrated News