POLICE have discouraged wearing of jackets in the vicinity of the House of Representative complex in Quezon City on July 22, when President Rodrigo Duterte is scheduled to deliver the State of the Nation Address (Sona).
The advisory was issued in the wake of the suicide bombing at an army camp in Indanan, Sulu, although Philippine National Police (PNP) officials assured that no threat has been received against the Sona.
“Dini-discourage natin ganun. As much as posible wala na lang sana magsuot ng ganun para show of good faith. Kaya naman sa jacket dahil para ma-conceal kung meron mga bombs sa loob hindi ba kasi hindi puwede kung t-shirt lang nakatago doon kaya yun ‘yung iniisip namin na mas maganda na walang jacket para kita kung meron man itatago just like sa bags,” National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Director Guillermo Eleazar said in an interview in Camp Crame Monday, July 15.
The Task Force Davao earlier implemented the “no jacket policy” in all entry and exit points in Davao, especially during local festivities.
PNP Chief Oscar Albayalde said in another interview that it is a challenge for the PNP to ensure peace and order during the Sona following the Sulu bombing, which was perpetrated by two suicide bombers. One of the suicide bombers has been confirmed to be a Filipino.
“To be honest, yes of course (challenge ito), as we have said earlier mag-iiba ang playing field dahil meron nang first time at marami tayong innovations na kailangan gawin, merong mga interventions na dapat gawin para hindi na maulit yan,” he said.
(As we have said earlier, the playing field has shifted because there is already a first time. We need to implement many innovations and interventions to make sure this does not happen again.)
Albayalde and Eleazar both said the PNP has yet to monitor any threat against the Sona.
Eleazar said at least 14,000 policemen and force multipliers will be deployed in Metro Manila, including 9,000 in the vicinity of Quezon City where the Sona will be held.
He said they are expecting at least 15,000 protesters during the Sona.
The NCRPO top cop said they conducted a dialogue with the protesters and they are all set for the upcoming SONA.
Eleazar said just like last year, the designated area for the anti-government protesters will be along Commonwealth Avenue, near the Ever Gotesco mall while the pro-administration rallyists will be along the IBP road near the House of Representatives.
He said they already have an agreement particularly with the anti-government protesters in order to maintain peace and order and safety during the conduct of protest actions.