10,000 cops to secure MM during SONA

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Alan Purisima will deploy 10,000 police officers in Metro Manila during President Aquino’s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) before a joint session of Congress   on Monday.

“In order to prevent the occurrence of violent incidents that may disrupt the conduct of SONA, there is a need for the PNP to intensify and sustain law enforcement, security and public safety operations before, during and after the event,” he said.

The PNP 10,000-strong Super Task Force Kapayapaan will come from the National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO). Reinforcements will come from the National Support Units (NSU), NHQ-PNP, PNP-Directorial Staff and from the different police regional offices. 

Top ranking government officials, members of the diplomatic corps and other VIPs are expected to attend the SONA.

Chief Superintendent Reuben Theodore Sindac, PNP public information chief, said the police regional offices will deploy Civil Disturbance Management (CDM) personnel to back up NCRPO police.  

CDM troops will be on standby to move on orders of NCRPO chief Director Carmelo Valmoria, the STF Kapayapaan 2014 commander. 

Valmoria will supervise the coordination with law enforcement agencies, security preparations and operations in Metro Manila, he added.

Super Task Force Kapayapaan 2014 is comprised of task forces on anti-criminality, intervention and traffic management. Task Force Criminality will be responsible for law enforcement and maintenance of peace and order to ensure zero-crime in Metro Manila.

Its commander is Chief Superintendent Diosdado Valeroso, NCRPO regional director for administration.

Task Force Antabay will handle rapid deployment and intervention as the need arises. The commander is Special Action Force director Chief Superintendent Noli Talio.

Task Force Rimland will be responsible for the deployment of security personnel, civil disturbance management, traffic management and control and other police public safety services in Metro Manila. Its commander is Chief Superintendent Allen Bantolo, NCRPO director for operations. Assisting him is Senior Superintendent Marcelo Morales, NCRPO battalion commander.

Task Force Reserve will handle deployment of the Regional Headquarters (RHQ) Reserve Force primarily comprised of RHQ Support Group, Regional Special Task Unit and other personnel from the different regional directorial staff and regional support unit.   

Boycott

Militant groups boycotted yesterday the police-initiated dialogue to prepare for the SONA.

Quezon City police director Chief Superintendent Richard Albano said  protesters must be “mature enough” to handle themselves during the rally.

Left-leaning groups and their members have not followed security preparations discussed during past dialogues, he added.

Invited to yesterday’s dialogue were representatives of Sanlakas, Gabriela, Piston, Pasang Masda, National Union of People’s League, Fight for the Masses, Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino, Kilusang Mayo Uno and Alliance of Concerned Teachers.

Albano said hardly anyone attended the dialogue. “Perhaps they were busy,” he said.

Among those invited, only Noor Perez from Migrante was present. Their group would not cause trouble, he said.  

Albano said police have been initiating dialogues every year to thresh out issues and lay down ground rules on the day of the SONA.

Protesters at the yearly SONA have not matured, he added.

Albano said protesters cross to the side of Commonwealth Avenue going to Quezon Memorial Circle when the assigned area for them is on the opposite lane. The Commonwealth Avenue lane fronting Ever Gotesco Mall going to Fairview is the area designated for protests, he added. – With Reinir Padua, Mike Frialde