5,000 riot cops to guard SONA

At least 5,000 anti-riot policemen will be deployed to guard President Arroyo’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) during the joint opening of the First Regular Session of Congress on July 26 at the Batasang Pambansa complex in Quezon City.

Metro police chief Director Ricardo de Leon declared yesterday that they are ready for any eventuality following last weeks’ initial coordinating conference between officials of the National Capital Regional Police Office, Presidential Security Group (PSG) and the National Capital Regional Command (NCRC) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Ret. Gen. Bayani Fabic, Congress sergeant-at-arms.

"We are now in the process of fine-tuning our security preparations," said De Leon, adding the same group will meet again this week "for our final coordination."

Police said left-leaning groups are expected to staged a massive rally to coincide with the SONA. De Leon said they will again strictly enforce the "no permit, no rally policy" of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

"I’m advising those who plan to stage rallies on the said day to secure necessary permits from local executive units (LGUs)," the Metro police chief said.

To prevent a violent dispersal of rallyists similar to the Plaza Miranda incident last week, the legal service of the NCRPO conducted a seminar on proper dispersal operations against rowdy demonstrators.

De Leon said the anti-riot troops will exercise maximum tolerance and patience in dealing with rallyists.

"We will respect their rights to air their grievances, but they should also respect the rights of the peace-loving citizenry," the NCRPO chief said.

Mrs. Arroyo announced in Cebu City last Saturday that she will unwrap five "legislative packages" she intends to pursue with the help of the 13th Congress.

De Leon said he has just finished conducting a "showdown" inspection over the weekend of civil disturbance management (CDM) units of the Central Police District (CPD) based in Camp Sikatuna in Quezon City.

He said the CPD contingent, along with the 3,000 military CDM personnel, will secure the Batasan complex.

Elements of the Eastern Police District (EPD) will secure the EDSA Shrine while those from the Western Police District (WPD) will be deployed at the Don Chino Roces bridge, a few meters away from Malacañang Palace.

"I will conduct a showdown inspection of our CDM units at the EPD and WPD areas days before the SONA," he said.

De Leon pointed out that some 300 CDM contingent, each from the Police Regional Offices 3 and 4 will be on standby and ready for deployment should the need arises.

He also called on the rallyists to police their ranks to prevent agitators from taking advantage of the situation. A meeting has been scheduled with rally leaders.