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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider Protesters blocked on Recto as SONA security tightens

Protesters blocked on Recto as SONA security tightens

Published Jul 27, 2026 09:13 am
An aerial view shows protesters being held back by police lines along C.M. Recto Avenue in Manila early July 27, as rallies begin ahead of President Marcos’ SONA. Security has been tightened across Manila and Quezon City, with more demonstrations expected throughout the day. (Photos courtesy of Manila Police District)
An aerial view shows protesters being held back by police lines along C.M. Recto Avenue in Manila early July 27, as rallies begin ahead of President Marcos’ SONA. Security has been tightened across Manila and Quezon City, with more demonstrations expected throughout the day. (Photos courtesy of Manila Police District)

Police blocked about 100 protesters along C.M. Recto Avenue in Manila early Monday, July 27, containing one of the first demonstrations ahead of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA).

The protest began at around 7:08 a.m. near Isetann along C.M. Recto, with participants coming from several groups including Youth for Nationalism and Democracy (YND), Kilusan, Lupa Pilipinas, Pamalakaya, Pangisda, Workers for People’s Liberation (WPL), Pambansang Kaisahan ng Magkabayang Magbubukid (PKMM), and the Nuclear-Free Bataan Movement (NFBD).

By 8:20 a.m., authorities placed the crowd estimate at more or less 100 individuals, as the Manila Police District (MPD) conducted aerial monitoring and maintained lines of personnel along the road to prevent the group from advancing further.

Protesters carried placards and chanted various slogans expressing dissent, including calls for government accountability and criticisms of economic conditions and national sovereignty.

Among the messages raised were “Mamamayan, magkaisa! Kumilos, panagutin ang gobyerno sa krisis at pagtataksil sa bayan (People, unite! Take action and hold the government accountable for the crisis and betrayal of the nation),” alongside other provocative slogans directed at the administration.

Despite the confrontation, police said the activity remained generally peaceful, with no untoward incidents reported.

President Marcos was set to deliver his SONA at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City, where thousands of security personnel were also deployed as part of heightened measures for the annual address.

In Manila, double-layered barricades were installed along major roads leading to Malacañang Palace, while lines of MPD personnel were stationed across key routes.

Another layer of police was deployed around the palace perimeter to secure the area from unauthorized access.

Authorities expect more protest actions to build up throughout the day across Metro Manila as part of SONA-related demonstrations, with police remaining on alert and continuing to monitor developments on the ground.

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