Militant groups warned: Obey law during SONA or else …

Police on red alert; No permit, no rally for protesters 

Police in Northern and Central Luzon would be placed on red alert in time for the State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Aquino tomorrow even as the Cordillera regional police command warned militant groups or lawless elements in the region they would be arrested if they would create trouble or hold mass rallies without permits during the occasion.

Some 250 from the Police Regional Office-Cordillera will be sent to Metro Manila to serve as augmentation to the Civil Disturbance Management (CDM) for possible attacks during the SONA( July 27).

Chief Supt. Isagani Nerez, Cordillera police director said 50 uniformed personnel from the regional police headquarters would be used as  reserve CDM contingents who will undertake security measures and public safety operations, secure vital installations, economic key points and places of convergence and to ensure peace and order during the SONA. 

Nerez said militant groups are expected to undertake mass protests and launch activities which may disrupt activities and endanger lives of officials and constituents.

The 16^th Congress will officially open its 3^rd regular session at 10 a.m. tomorrow be followed by the SONA at 4 p.m. before both Legislative Houses in joint session.

On this occasion, top-ranking government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and other VIPs are expected to attend the event.

Nerez said in the Cordillera, it is expected especially in Baguio City, that groups and local militant organizations will stage mass actions to air their demands.

Nerez directed his personnel to be wary, vigilant and watchful to ensure a secure, safe and peaceful SONA, the last of the President.

“The PRO-COR strongly warns any threat groups and other unscrupulous individuals not to try to disrupt the SONA of President Aquino,” Nerez said.

He added maximum tolerance will be implemented during mass protests but any person who will violate the law will be apprehended.

 Nerez added the Philippine National Police respects freedom of speech of every Filipino citizen, pursuant to Batas Pambansa 880 or “The Public Assembly Act of 1985.”

But police will strictly implement the ‘‘No permit, no rally” policy in public places except in parks established by law, in private property, with the owner’s consent, or in the campus of a government-owned and operated educational institution.

Nerez urged his men to observe the Revised PNP Police Operational Procedure (POP) and respect human rights during operations.

PRO-COR will be placed under full alert status a day before the SONA and maximum deployment of personnel and utilization of resources will be carried out and partnership with the community, force multipliers and auxiliaries has been tapped to participate and involve themselves to help the PNP particularly crime prone areas, he said.

The PRO-COR urged the public to help police provide relevant information on unscrupulous activities which may disrupt peaceful convening of the SONA through social media or the following numbers: 09174297628, Regional Tactical Operation Center (074) 422-5515 or 09175302695 and 09285591669.