Supporters of President-elect Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. flooded the streets of Manila early Thursday, June 30, to witness his inauguration as the country's 17th leader at the National Museum.
Intramuros' iconic "guardia civil" (security personnel dressed in pre-colonial civil guard garb and pointed hats) were seen inspecting the bags of the supporters who came all the way from Mandaluyong and Parañaque as they entered Gate 3 of Intramuros, in front of the Manila Cathedral and Palacio Del Gobernador.
Some Marcos loyalists arrived and entered Gate 3 at around 6:00 a.m.
Victor De Leon, 45, from Parañaque and a loyal supporter of Marcos, said that his group wants to show their support and be part of his inauguration.
Jenny Tanks, 67, a balikbayan from San Diego, California, also went early with her nephew to be able to see Marcos Jr.'s oath-taking.
She said her family is loyal to the Marcoses since the time of former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
She added that she was supposed to return abroad but was stuck in the country due to the Covid-19 pandemic so she decided to show her support for the president-elect.
"Sana maging gaya siya ng father niya, kasi bilib kami sa father niya (I hope he will be like his father, because we had deep respect for his father ," she said.
"Kasi peaceful naman noon, yung sinasabi nilang magulo, no. I was here 1980-82 wala namang ganoon (Because it was peaceful that time, there was no chaos. I was here 1980-82, there was nothing like that)," she added.
According to the Manila Police District (MPD), the bags of those who want to watch the next president's take oath will be checked twice once they reach the Muralla gate to ensure that they do not have bladed weapons, guns, liquor, and other forbidden items before they enter the venue.
As of 8:30 a.m., no anti-Marcos protester was seen in front of the Manila Cathedral.