MANILA, Philippines – At least 15,000 people are expected to stage a rally to express support for President Rodrigo Duterte during his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City on Monday.
Among the pro-Duterte groups who have begun to gather at the Batasan Hills are Friends of Rody Duterte (FORD), Koalisyon ng Maralita, D4 Movement for Federalism, Alliance Reform Philippines, Hugpong ng Pagbabago Movement, Inc., and United Defenders of Democracy.
Persons participating in the pro-Duterte rally are wearing shirts in red, white and blue colors.
Rally organizers said more Duterte supporters are expected to arrive this afternoon. A short program is slated to begin around 2 p.m.
Pro-Duterte groups also expressed hope that the president will talk about the Federalism proposal in his SONA speech later. They also hope that Duterte will grant their request to grace their program after the SONA.
The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said some pro-Duterte groups have coordinated their plans of staging a rally and were directed to occupy the IBP Road near Polytechnic University of the Philippines in Quezon City.
The NCRPO appealed anew to rally organizers not to go near the anti-Duterte rally to taunt or shout invectives as this may incite trouble.
Police also discouraged rally goers from bringing bags and backpacks or wearing of jackets that may be used to sneak in bombs or explosives.
The Philippine National Police Station 6 has been assigned to monitor the pro-Duterte rally in the area. (with details from Aiko Miguel)
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