Policemen will be on alert as militant groups stage a protest in Bacolod City at 1 p.m. today to coincide with President Benigno Aquino III’s State of the Nation Address, City Police Director Senior Supt. Ricardo de la Paz said yesterday.
Bagong Alyansang Makabayan-Negros Secretary General Christian Tuayon said they expect 500 to 1,000 participants in their protest.
De la Paz said the protestors can air their sentiments but should not disrupt other people, especially motorists, and should police their own ranks, otherwise the police will use reasonable force against them.
De la Paz said the Crowd Dispersal Unit of the BCPO will be assigned in the areas where rallies will be held. There will also be policemen in plain clothes to ensure that the militants stage peaceful protests.
De la Paz also ordered the members of the Traffic Management Unit to make sure that the flow of traffic is not hampered by the rallies.
Tuayon assured the police yesterday that they will hold a peaceful demonstration today.
He said that aside from BAYAN, members of Gabriela-Negros, Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas, Kilusang Mayo Uno, National Federation of Sugar workers, Association of Concerned teachers, League of Filipino Students, United Drivers and Operators Center and Karapatan-Negros, will join the mass mobilization today.
Tuayon said they will hold the SONA nang Bayan at Gonzaga-Araneta streets where they will burn Aquino’s effigy.*APN back
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