Hakbang ng Maisug, a group associated with the Dutertes, is organizing a rally in Manila ahead of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s third State of the Nation Address (SONA). This was confirmed by the police on Friday.
National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief, Police Major General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., stated that the Maisug rally would take place on Saturday at Liwasang Bonifacio.
“We already have one group in Manila, at Liwasang Bonifacio. They are five thousand strong,” Nartatez mentioned during an ambush interview following a send-off ceremony for police personnel assigned to secure the SONA.
He added that the Manila Police District (MPD), especially the civil disturbance management units, will be present to ensure security during the event.
The Manila City government’s public information office clarified that no permit is needed for Maisug’s rally since Liwasang Bonifacio is designated as a freedom park.
“Being a freedom park, no permits from the LGU are required. The City of Manila has not issued any permits for the Maisug Rally,” stated Princess Amante of the Manila PIO.
Quezon City’s Department of Public Order and Safety (DPOS) noted that Maisug organizers initially sought a permit to rally in Quezon City but were not provided with a venue, leading them to move the event to Manila.
“Maisug canceled their application with us. We were unable to provide a venue, so they moved to Manila,” said DPOS head Elmo San Diego in another ambush interview.
The Dutertes have participated in various Maisug events recently, including a prayer rally in Davao City in January. Former President Rodrigo Duterte also expressed disappointment over the cancellation of the group’s prayer rally in Leyte in May.
Vice President Sara Duterte has announced that she will not attend Marcos’ SONA, appointing herself as the “designated survivor” without further explanation. She recently resigned from her positions as Education Secretary and vice chairperson of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).