Protesters arrested, barred ahead of Marcos' SONA

Several protesters were arrested and barred from holding a demonstration along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City hours before the fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. According to Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) president Renato Reyes, at least three individuals were arrested, but the exact number and their whereabouts are yet to be confirmed. "Based on the reports we received, three of our colleagues were arrested in the vicinity of the rally. We are yet to ascertain their identities and organizational affiliations," Reyes said. He added, "We cannot locate them or know their names because when we asked the police to present the arrested individuals to us and explain why they were arrested, the police refused to do so." Meanwhile, Elmo San Diego, head of the Quezon City Public and Order Safety, said he is coordinating with the Quezon City Police to address the issues. He pointed out that the protest being held by BAYAN has a permit and they are allowed to conduct their program along Commonwealth Avenue. "This is legal, they have a permit. It's that simple," San Diego said. In a Viber message, QCPD spokesperson P/Major Jennifer Ganaban said they will release a statement once they receive a report. Furthermore, PNP chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said that 51 individuals were arrested for alleged vandalism and wearing balaclavas along Commonwealth Avenue. Nartatez said such acts are strictly prohibited during such gatherings. BAYAN claims that the arrests were "deliberate and planned." BAYAN Secretary General Mong Palatino said the arrests were illegal as some of them were only sitting on the roadside. Palatino confirmed that BAYAN sent lawyers to the police station where the arrested individuals are detained. Source: GMA News Philippines