Philippines – Security Tightened in Manila ahead of July 22 Presidential Address

Thousands of opposition supporters and members of militant leftist groups will participate in anti-government protests ahead of and during President Benigno Aquino III’s fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Batasan Pambansa complex in Quezon City, Metro Manila, July 22. The National Capital Region Police Office, which is on heightened alert, is deploying approximately 15,000 officers to maintain order during the event. Police will likely announce street closures and traffic diversions. Police may also go on heightened alert in a number of other areas where SONA protests have occurred in the past. Despite the heightened alert status for the police and military, there are no indications of any impending security problems that would directly affect foreigners or Western business interests in Metro Manila.