All systems go for 14K cops on SONA day

FILE: The NCRPO Regional Director PMGEN GUILLERMO LORENZO T ELEAZAR inspects police readiness and security preparedness for SONA 2019 at IBP Rd., Batasan, Quezon City. (Photo: PIO NCRPO/Facebook)

MANILA — The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) is all set to provide security for the fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Monday.

Maj. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, NCRPO director, said they already on full alert with about 14,000 cops ready to ensure peace and order during SONA.

“All of our operatives tasked to secure the 2019 SONA are in their pre-deployment positions. They will be moving out 5 a.m. Monday,” Eleazar said in an interview with Philippine News Agency.

He said cops will be deployed particularly in areas where anti and pro-Duterte groups are expected to hold rallies, particularly along Commonwealth Avenue and IBP Road near the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City.

Eleazar said protest rallies will be allowed “for as long as these are held peacefully”. He added at least 15,000 protesters expected to hold rallies.

He assured that they have a contingency plan, in coordination with the Presidential Security Group (PSG), in case the President decides to face the protesters after delivering his SONA.

“Just like what happened two years ago, the President came out and we were really surprised because that was unexpected. But after that, we have prepared contingency measures in case he does it again,” he said.

Eleazar assured maximum tolerance will be exercised while asking the militant groups to police their ranks. He said no violent dispersal was recorded since Duterte’s first SONA in 2016.

“We will adhere to a maximum tolerance policy as we manage the cause-oriented groups with democratic rights as our governing spirit,” Eleazar said.

“Nevertheless, we will be vigilant for all possible terroristic or criminal elements who may want to take advantage of our disposition of maximum tolerance,” he added.

He said 9,162 cops and force multipliers would be sent to secure the vicinity of the Batasang Pambansa.

Eleazar said they have not monitored any serious threat of attacks “but we are continuously coordinating with agencies involved.”

Aside from the vicinity of the House of Representatives, police officers will secure places of convergence, such as malls and churches, as well as vital installations, terminals, airports, and seaports.

Eleazar also assured that security will be provided in Mendiola, the US Embassy, and the Edsa Shrine, where rallies are expected during SONA.

“Together, let us work as one, as a team. Afterall, the success of the SONA will also mean the success of the nation,” he said.

The SONA, which is delivered by the President of the Philippines every year, is a constitutional obligation, required by Article VII, Section 23 of the 1987 Constitution.

It is a venue that allows the President to report on the state of the country, unveil the government’s agenda for the coming year, and also propose to Congress certain legislative measures.