The Philippine National Police (PNP) is in the thick of preparations for the forthcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Rodrigo R. Duterte.
The PNP also urged militant groups to conduct online protests instead of physical rallies in the streets on the day of the SONA due to the threat of the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) spreading.
According to PNP Spokesperson Police Brigadier General Bernard Banac, the groups can voice out their sentiments online and lessen the risk of being exposed to the virus. He reminded that the groups must have a local government permit and follow the quarantine protocols to conduct a physical protest if they do not wish to comply with the recommended online protest.
PBGen. Banac added that the police will implement maximum tolerance on the day of the SONA. Apprehension will be avoided as long as the protocols are followed. Around 5,000 police personnel are set to be deployed by the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) on Monday.
The organization maintains its full alert status due to COVID-19. The PNP Spokesperson disclosed that they have not currently monitored any security threats. However, the PNP will closely monitor Commonwealth Avenue towards Batasang Pambansa where the SONA will be held.
Report from Bea Bernardo
