PNP declares stretch of Commonwealth Avenue as no rally zone on PBBM's July 25 SONA
The Philippine National Police (PNP) declared the entire stretch of Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City as a no-rally zone during the July 25 State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Bongbong Marcos.
And in anticipation of protesters who may force their way to Commonwealth Avenue, mobile jails and fire trucks will be placed on standby in order to clear the road from protesters.
“They can hold protest action inside UP (Diliman), or the Quezon Memorial Circle if they would be able to get permits (to rally). But for the roads, there is no designated place for rallies so the entire stretch of Commonwealth Avenue, definitely is a no rally zone,” said Police Col. Fernando Ortega, director for Administration of the Quezon City Police District.
The prohibition of protesters along Commonwealth Avenue was a big change in the past SONAs wherein protesters were allowed to hold programs usually near the St. Peter’s Church.
But for the first SONA of Marcos, the Philippine National Police (PNP) is bent on ensuring that no protesters would penetrate Commonwealth Avenue.
PNP Officer-In-Charge Police Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao, Jr., however, said that maximum tolerance will be observed by his men.
“I would like to stress that the PNP in the area would safeguard not only the SONA but also the community in the area because there are some groups or some unscrupulous persons who would like to take advantage of the situation,” said Danao.
“However, if there will be any untoward situation, still we exercise maximum tolerance. As far as the PNP is concerned, there is no intention of hurting anyone. As a matter of fact our presence there is to protect everyone, including them (protesters),” he added.
The National Capital Region Police Office said almost 22,000 policemen and force multipliers will be deployed during the SONA.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has already issued a traffic rerouting plan for July 25.
While the deployment of fire trucks and mobile jails is part of the security preparation, Danao said he does not see that they would be used, especially that he ordered his men to exercise maximum tolerance.
He said the deployment of both is just for worse-case scenarios.