More rallyists arrive to join anti-SONA protest at Commonwealth

MANILA, Philippines - A big contingent of rallyists arrived at the section of Commonwealth Avenue in front of the Ever Gotesco mall in Quezon City before noon Monday, beefing up the ranks of protesters who have earlier gathered in the area. A big contingent of militants - including those from militant groups Bagong Alyansang Makabayan and Kilusang Mayo Uno - arrived in the area around 11:30 a.m. ending their march from Luzon Ave. where they groups assembled. The groups were carrying a giant effigy of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo when they arrived at the scene. The militant groups also set up a mobile stage and started their program in the run-up for their version of the State of the Nation Address which they dubbed as the "People's SONA." Senior Superintendent Neri Ilagan, chief of the Quezon City Police District Mobile Force, said as of 11:55 a.m., an estimated 4,000 rallyists have already gathered in front of the police barricade at the Commonwealth Ave. section in front of Ever Gotesco mall. Earlier, Ilagan said he expects the number of protesters in the area to peak at 6,000 by 1 p.m. - Kimberly Jane Tan, GMANews.TV