A CITY police official over the weekend said security plans are in place as government critics are expected to stage protest actions in time of President Rodrigo Duterte's State of the Nation Address (Sona) Monday, July 23.
Superintendent Mardy Hortillosa II, spokesperson of the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (Cocpo), said authorities remain on alert over possible attacks by any threat groups.
Hortillosa said policemen deployed in rally sites have been ordered to maintain maximum tolerance, respect the protesters and ensure demonstrations are held peacefully.
“Naa na tay security plan kay nabalaka ta nga basin dunay mga tawo nga mosakay sa panahon ug manggubot (We already have security plans because we worry that bad elements may take advantage of the situation),” he said.
The police officer said troops from the City Mobile Force in coordination with the military are also monitoring the hinterland villages to thwart possible attacks by the New People’s Army (NPA).
Authorities are asking the protesters not to be violent in airing out their grievances towards the government.
Meanwhile, youth groups in Cagayan de Oro City have laid down their agenda at the capitol park here over the weekend, just two days before Duterte delivers his Sona.
Around 30 young people have gathered to advance the pressing students and youth issues under the Duterte administration through their own State of the Youth Address (SOYA).
Vennel Chenfoo of Kabataan Partylist Northern Mindanao said these issues include free education, health care services such as free medicines and hospitalization, job opportunities and just compensation and wages, end contractualization and environmental protection.
“Kini ang unod sa atong youth agenda ug ato pa kining pakusgon sa pagdala ubos sa Duterte administration (We will advance this youth agenda under the Duterte administration),” he said.
Chenfoo said they would also advance the basic rights of the youth, especially those who are critical to the government in terms of youth policies.
He said this youth agenda is what they expect to be addressed during the Sona of the president.
“Pero dili pud kami makalaom kay nakita naman nato ang iyang gibuhat sulod sa duha ka tuig. With or without Duterte mao ni ang atong i-advance (Though we can't expect much based on how Duterte treats the youth issues),” Chenfoo said.