Military tightens security in Southern Tagalog

MANILA, Philippines - The military tightened its watch over Southern Luzon on Monday in line with its security plan aimed at neutralizing plans by any threat groups to create disturbances during President Benigno Aquino III's State of the National Address (SONA) at the Batasan Pambansa complex in Quezon City.

Marine Lt. Col. Neil Anthony Estrella, spokesman of the Southern Luzon Command (Solcom), said that aside from being on guard for possible atrocities by the New People’s Army (NPA), various teams were also deployed to closely monitor movements of various left-leaning groups.

“The Solcom is continuously monitoring movements of various left-wing groups,” Estrella said.

He said these groups, particularly from Laguna, Batangas and Rizal assembled in key areas before proceeding to Metro Manila to join the anti-SONA rally.

Solcom chief Lt. Gen. Caesar Ronnie Ordoyo ordered an intensified military monitoring in Southern Tagalog in support of the AFP’s declaration of red alert in Metro Manila aimed at ensuring order in the capital region as the President reports his administration accomplishments to the Filipino people.

As of noon, military monitoring showed that the entire Southern Luzon, which once served as the bailiwick of the NPA rebels, remained peaceful.

“Southern Luzon remains peaceful with our soldiers out there performing their duties to protect the people and the government,” Estrella said.