No security threat for today’s SONA – PNP

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Police (PNP) yesterday expressed confidence that President Aquino’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) today would be peaceful and orderly in the absence of any specific threat.

Senior Superintendent Reuben Theodore Sindac, chief of the PNP Public Information Office, said the Quezon City Police District under the supervision of the National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) is closely monitoring security preparations at the Batasang Pambansa complex.

“No specific or significant threats monitored as of this time. But we continue to receive intelligence reports and use them as bases for adjustments or refinements to security preparations for the SONA,” Sindac said in a text message to The STAR.

He said the PNP is almost 100 percent ready for today’s SONA.

“As per report of the district director of the QCPD and the NCRPO, they are 99.9% ready for the SONA,” Sindac said.

An estimated 20,000 to 30,000 protesters from militant groups are expected to march toward the Batasang Pambansa complex where President Aquino will deliver his SONA at the opening of the 16th Congress.

Protesters are expected to converge at key points in Quezon City and other areas in Metro Manila in preparation for anti-SONA rallies.

But Metro Manila police director Chief Superintendent Marcelo Garbo said the NCRPO, military, and other government agencies are ready to deal with the protesters.

The 18,000-strong NCRPO has been on full alert status since Friday.

At least 7,000 policemen, soldiers and personnel from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority will be deployed near Batasang Pambasa complex in Quezon City, the US embassy in Manila, Don Chino Roces Bridge and EDSA Shrine in Mandaluyong City where protesters are expected to hold protest actions.

Garbo ordered the five district police directors in Metro Manila to see to it that all their police personnel would exercise maximum tolerance in dealing with the protesters.

– With Non Alquitran