THE police in Central Visayas were placed on red alert ahead of the State of the Nation Address (Sona) of President Rodrigo Duterte today.

Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 Director Chief Supt. Debold Sinas said they have prepared for rallies by militant groups, but they will observe maximum tolerance.

He urged the protesters not to resort to violence.

Sinas also instructed police units to conduct random checkpoints.

The police offices under PRO 7 yesterday accounted for all their personnel in preparation for the third SONA.

All police personnel are not allowed to go on leave when they are on red alert status.

Cebu Provincial Police Office Director Senior Supt. Manuel Abrugena said he had formed a team to support the Cebu City Police Office personnel in any incident during protest rallies.

He said he instructed the police station chiefs in towns not to hurt any protester. (KAL)