MANILA -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) is in full alert status in preparation for the State of the Nation Address (Sona) of President Benigno Aquino III on Monday, July 27, at the House of the Representatives in Quezon City.
On full alert beginning 5 a.m. Monday are police offices in Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Calabarzon and the Special Action Force, said PNP spokesperson Wilben Mayor.
"Other regional directors, PROs (Police Regional Offices) are given the discretion to upgrade their alert depending on the prevailing peace and order in their respective area of responsibility. Regional units/offices will follow the alert status of their PROs. All units commanders are reminded to secure vital installations," he added.
He said the PNP will also activate the Super Task Force “Kapayapaan 2015” headed by National Capital Region Police officer-in-charge Allen Bantolo that is a composite team of the entire National Capital Region police force and all the police districts in Metro Manila, including the augmentation forces coming from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
Earlier, the PNP said at least 10,000 policemen will be deployed in key areas to ensure security and peace and order during the Sona.
Police also deployed concrete barriers, container vans, and concertina wire around Commonwealth Avenue in anticipation of anti-Aquino protests.
“We will not allow the would-be perpetrators to take advantage of the situation,” said Bantolo.
He said fire trucks and ambulances with emergency personnel will also be on stand-by in case they are needed.
A high-tech mobile command post will be deployed and it will be the center of monitoring of the situation from several areas in Metro Manila.
But militant youth group Anakbayan said that Aquino’s "overkill measures" would not stop the people from marching toward the House.
“Aquino’s lies cannot hide the systemic corruption and anti-people policies under his administration. The people want him out of office. We are sure that he is already trembling with fear, and that explains his praning anti-rally blockades in commonwealth,” said Anakbayan chairperson Vencer Crisostomo.
The youth group also called Aquino a “coward” who can’t even face his so called “bosses” on his final Sona. (Sunnex)