‘PNP ready for SONA, rallies’

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) is prepared for the second State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Marcos today as it expects groups from different sectors to hold protests, according to Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos.

“What is important here is we always practice maximum tolerance. We need to have patience here,” Abalos said yesterday.

Transport group Manibela will start a three-day strike to oppose the government’s plan to phase out traditional jeepneys.

“I am very sure if there is a transport strike, concerned government agencies will help by offering free rides, but of course the dialogue is important. We are still hoping that it will not push through,” Abalos said.

The PNP has coordinated with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority to prepare for traffic, particularly along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City.

Aerial drones will also be deployed to monitor pedestrian and vehicular movement, according to the National Capital Region Police Office.

Protests

Labor groups have expressed disappointment with the Marcos administration.

“The problems we face today depict more of a ‘Bigong Pilipinas’ (Failed Philippines) rather than the ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ (New Philippines) narrative of the present administration,” the Nagkaisa Labor Coalition said in a statement.

Nagkaisa will hold a protest with United Labor and other federations and organizations to demand a legislated wage hike, an end to contractualization, cessation of trade union repression, an end to red-tagging and justice for victims of drug war-related killings.

Federation of Free Workers vice president Jun Ramirez said workers are in dire need of a substantial wage increase.

300 PNP personnel

At least 300 augmentation troops from Regional Mobile Force Battalions in Bataan, Pampanga and Angeles will be deployed to Batasan, Quezon City.

“Our personnel are reminded to observe ‘maximum tolerance’ and to ensure they respect the human rights of protesters as they are again expected to hold rallies... I have also ordered for the intensified conduct of checkpoint operations... and guarantee the strict implementation of the 24-hour gun ban,” Central Luzon police director Brig. Gen. Jose Hidalgo Jr. said.

A 24-hour gun ban will be implemented in Central Luzon and Calabarzon on July 24-25.

A Reactionary Standby Support Force composed of 300 PNP personnel from the regional headquarters and other provincial police offices has also been organized.

Bulacan Police Provincial Office will deploy 271 personnel at border control points and toll gates.

The PNP will be placed under full alert status on July 23-25.

PCG on alert

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will be on heightened alert on July 24 in preparation for the SONA and the possible effects of Severe Tropical Storm Egay.

The PCG’s districts in National Capital Region-Central Luzon, Northeastern Luzon, Northwestern Luzon, Southern Tagalog and Bicol are on heightened alert, according to PCG commandant Admiral Artemio Abu yesterday.

Deployable response groups are on standby to conduct rescue operations in provinces that may be affected by Egay.

Coast Guard District Southern Tagalog commander Commodore Geronimo Tuvilla has directed station commanders to constantly monitor the storm’s trajectory and coordinate with Disaster Risk Reduction and Management offices.

Abu said they coordinated with the Philippine Ports Authority and the Maritime Industry Authority to ensure the safety of the riding public and all traveling vessels. — Ric Sapnu, Evelyn Macairan, Neil Jayson Servallos