3,000 cops for SoNA deployment

Some 3,000 policemen will be deployed to protect vital government installations during tomorrow’s State of the Nation Address (SoNA) of President Rodrigo Duterte, according to the Manila Police District (MPD).

The MPD said its security plan is centered on Manila as the home of two important installations that include Malacañang Palace and the United States Embassy where militant group always stage their protest rallies and demonstrations.

According to MPD Chief Leo Francisco, the security preparation began since the month of June right after the Regional Coordinating Conference.

The MPD started conducting security preparation through SIMEX/COMEX and emergency preparedness and response were held as part of its readiness personally supervised by Francisco.

Several meetings and conferences followed suit to establish coordination and collaboration between law enforcement agencies, force multipliers, the public and other stake holders.

The MPD said its security plan is centered on Manila as the home of two important installations that include Malacañang Palace and the United States Embassy where militant group always stage their protest rallies and demonstrations.

Four protest areas will be the subject of tight security measures namely, Chino Roces bridge (formerly Mendiola bridge) gate way to Malacañang and also roads leading to Palace including J.P Laurel, Ayala near the Department of Budget Buildings; United states Embassy; Liwasang Bonifacio and the Supreme court in Padre Faura as well as España Welcome Rotunda, (Boundary part of Manila and QC) .

It was learned that 3,000 police personnel will be deployed to cover the mentioned rally places with instruction from Gen. Francisco to maintain maximum tolerance as well as ensure health protocols like wearing of protective masks and physical distancing.

Police personnel will be deployed in the said places starting Sunday afternoon.