AROUND 50 activists from various sectoral organizations gathered at Freedom Park, Roxas Avenue, on July 22 participated in a planned peace protest rally on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s third State of the National address.
The event, which began at 2 pm, was secured by personnel from the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) Station 1, led by Lt. Jerez Cagurol under the supervision of Major Richeen M Lagnayo, commander of Sta. Ana police station.
Captain Hazel Tuazon, the spokesperson of the Davao City Police Office said the participating groups included Bayan Muna, Makabayan, Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU), Kabataan Partylist, and Gabriela.
Tuazon said the group voiced their concerns on various issues, including calls for the withdrawal of Chinese and US influence, opposition to the PUV phaseout, the arrest of Pastor Quiboloy, the surfacing of William Lariosa, and resistance against fascism.
She identified the key figures present at the rally: Beverly Gofredo, secretary general of AnakBayan-SMR; Harvey Lao, vice president for Mindanao of Kabataan Partylist; Elvy Grace Gamalinda, ACT-DRU; Wilfredo Lacatan, external vice president, ACT-DRU; Meeghan Dorothy Berou of Karatula; Mawing Pangadas of Dagyaw Relief Davao; and Esmael Pangadas of Dagyaw Relief Davao.
Further, the protest rally remained peaceful and orderly throughout the afternoon, with participants dispersing by 4 p.m. after a debriefing conducted by Cagurol.
