Local police ready for Duterte’s SONA
The Police Regional Office (PRO)-7 will strengthen its security measures in order to prevent atrocities for the upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday.
PRO-7 Head Chief Superintendent Jose Mario Espino assured the public that they have not monitored any rebel troops attempting to sow terror attacks on that day.
However, as an added precaution, Espino inspected the equipment needed for protest and street demonstrations to make sure that PRO-7 is prepared when it comes to responding to any eventuality.
“Based sa binigay na equipment ng higher headquarters, enough na yon. We view that Cebu is a peaceful city. Yon lang ang binigay na equipment which would handle any protest rallies,” Espino said.
But in order not to be complacent, Espino already tapped other security agencies for augmentation of the region’s security personnel.
The Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), for its part, has also prepared a security plan and has already determined the deployment points around the city.
CCPO Spokesperson Chief Inspector Ramoncelio Sawan said the police have also coordinated with traffic enforcers to ensure a smooth flow of commuters where the protest rallies are expected to be conducted.
“Ready na ang CCPO naa na pud security plan ana (SONA). We tried to know asa sila mag-rally. Nagprepare na ta og points kung asa madeploy ang mga pulis,” Sawan said.
Sawan added that previous protest rallies several cause-oriented groups have staged did not result to worse incidents, since most groups would just normally disperse after venting out their concerns.
“Wala ta ka-experience og bad scenarios, pero we will always be ready for whatever may happen to make sure,” Sawan said.
In a related development, a dialogue between local government units, policemen, and cause-oriented leaders from the Pagkakaisa ng Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (PISTON) and Gabriela Women’s Party Cebu resulted to a mutual agreement.
The groups will be able to stage a protest during SONA even without a permit, given that they do not violate any city ordinances.