MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine National Police (PNP) has decided to keep demonstrators away from the Batasang Pambansa during President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday.

The PNP rejected a request from militant groups to allow them to hold their activities right at the Batasan gates.

“‘Pag doon sa gusto nila, marami ang mapeperwisyo at apektado, makakaharang sila sa daloy ng trapiko, maliit lugar doon,” said National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Director Chief Superintendent Roberto Rosales.

Aside from the over 4,000 policemen, 8 closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras will also be installed in strategic areas to prevent any untoward incidents on the day of the SONA.

Rosales stated, “Mahirap na kasi, dapat may documentation tayo. Dapat bago sila kumilos, alam na nating gagawin. Preventive ang measure na ito.”

While security preparations are ongoing, militant groups are also busy gearing up for the SONA.

The Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) is constructing an effigy of Aquino.

But unlike previous practices, they do not intend to burn the image of the President.

“Ang tema ng effigy ilusyon ba ng pagbabago o totoong pagbabago. Bibigyan muna natin si Pangulong Aquino na tuparin niya ang kanyang mga pangako,” said Bayan Secreatry-General Renato Reyes.

“Kailangan ipaalala natin sa kanila ang mga tunay na problema ng bayan. Kailangan niya itong tugunan,” he said.

Meanwhile, the northbound stretch of Commonwealth Avenue - from Don Antonio until after the Commission on Audit - will be closed to traffic beginning midnight of Sunday until after the SONA.

Vehicles, however, will be allowed to counter flow on the southbound lane.

The following schools have also suspended their classes for tomorrow: Batasan Hills Elementary School, Payatas A, B, C Elementary School, Payatas B Annex Elementary School, San Diego Elementary School, Bagong Silangan Elementary School, Dona Juana Elem School, Commonwealth Elementary School, Commonwelth Elementary School annex, Manuel Quezon Elementary School, Culiat Elementary School, New Era High School, Bagong Silangan High School, Batasan Hills National High School, Commonwealth High School, New Era High School, Justice Cecilia Munoz Palma High School, Culiat High School, J.F. Belmonte High School.