No change in AFP alert status for SONA — Military

President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his 5th State of the Nation Address (SONA) during the Joint Session of the 16th Congress at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City on Monday (July 28, 2014). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Benhur Arcayan/ Malacanang Photo Bureau)

MANILA — On the eve of President Benigno S. Aquino III’s sixth State-of-the-Nation-Address (SONA) on Monday afternoon, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said there is no change in the alert status of the military.

“So far, there is no change in alert status,” AFP public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Noel Detoyato told th Philippines News Agency on Sunday.

Earlier, the AFP said that it is still to detect any threats for the SONA.

Detoyato said a brigade-sized formation will be in stand-by for possible eventualities that may occur during the SONA.

Five hundred troops each from General Headquarters, Army, Navy and Air Force and the Tanay-based 2nd Infantry Division will be on call during that event.

Soldiers from the General Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City include the Security Escort Battalion, Military Police Battalion and Joint Task Force-National Capital Region, along with K-9s, Explosive Ordnance Division and medical units.

“But until these troops are requested by the Philippine National Police, which is the lead agency for SONA security, these soldiers and units remain in their respective camps,” Detoyato said.

While the traditional militants are free to do their protest rallies, he urged them not to conduct actions that may prove detrimental to others.

“It is their freedom to express their right but we just hope and appeal that that freedom will not infringe on the freedom of others,” Detoyato said.