By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan/Philippine News Agency
MANILA — The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) on Wednesday assured it has a contingency plan in case President Rodrigo Duterte steps out of the House of Representatives after delivering his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) and face the protesters on Monday.
NCRPO Director, Maj. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said they have already coordinated with the Presidential Security Group (PSG) regarding the matter.
“Just like what happened two years ago, the President came out and we were really surprised because that was unexpected. But after that, we have prepared contingency measures in case he does it again,” Eleazar told reporters after meeting with stakeholders and militant groups to agree on conditions regarding protests during the SONA on July 22 in Quezon City.
Eleazar noted that part of security part of protocol is to jam cellular signals during the SONA.
He also appealed to the militant groups and pro-government protesters to avoid wearing jackets and bringing backpacks during demonstrations on July 22.
“We are asking them not to carry bags and wear jackets. But this is just a discouragement, we cannot prohibit them from doing it,” Eleazar said.
Eleazar said they expect at least 15,000 protesters based on the SONA last year.
The NCRPO chief said rallies will be allowed up to St. Peter Parish on Commonwealth Avenue for militant groups while the pro-administration groups will be at IBP road “for as long as these are held peacefully”.
“(For pro administration) We reserve the IBP road which they can occupy. We already had a prior arrangement with them,” he said.
“As usual, our police will exercise maximum tolerance but at the same time we asked the militant groups to do their share and police their ranks to ensure a peaceful and orderly SONA day,” he added.
Eleazar said they have not monitored any serious threat of attacks.
“We have not monitored any threat but we are continuously coordinating with agencies involved,” said Eleazar.
Eleazar said that Muslim community leaders have been consistently helping them in intelligence-gathering and information-sharing relating to potential security threats in the metropolis.
“In several times, they proved their sincerity in our effort to maintain peace and order in Metro Manila. They have been helping us and we have good relationship with them,” he said.
He said some of the suspected terrorists who were arrested in Metro Manila were based on the information-sharing with Muslim communities especially in Quezon City, Manila and Taguig City.
“If we have information, we ask for their help and if they have information, they would immediately relay all of them to us. It is indeed a good collaboration to maintain peace and order here in Metro Manila,” said Eleazar.
At least 9,000 cops and force multipliers will be deployed near the vicinity of the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City to provide security during the SONA.
Aside from the vicinity of the House of Representatives, Eleazar said police officers will secure places of convergence like malls and churches as well as vital installations like terminals, airports, and seaports.
He also assured security will be provided in Mendiola, the United States Embassy and Edsa Shrine, where rallies are expected to be held during the SONA.
“The PNP remains vigilant to prevent the occurrence of crimes and respond to any call for assistance,” Eleazar added.
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