NCRPO gears up for Noy's SONA

MANILA, Philippines - The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has started security preparations for President Aquino’s third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 23.

Chief Superintendent Juanito Vaño, NCRPO deputy chief for operations, met yesterday with retired Gen. Nicasio Radovan, Sergeant-at-Arms of the House of Representatives, to map out security measures at the Batasan building in Quezon City.

“We have agreed to implement the same security during the first two SONAs of President Aquino,” said Vaño.

He said the NCRPO will be responsible for securing the vicinity of the Batasan complex while Radovan will be in-charge of frisking the politicians and other important personalities and guests.

Vaño was accompanied in the meeting by Senior Superintendent Jhong Ramos, chief of the NCRPO’s operations division, and other ranking police officials.

He added they will hold a dialogue with militant groups to ensure that rallies will be peaceful during the SONA.

Vaño said the rallyists will not be allowed to march near the Batasan complex.

He said they will deploy a “substantial” number of anti-riot policemen during the President’s SONA.