BACOLOD CITY – More than 100 police officers will be deployed for possible protest actions here during the State-of-the-Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday, July 24.
Police Col. Noel Aliño, Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) chief, said the Civil Disturbance Management (CDM) team will be on standby to respond to any untoward incidents.
The team had earlier won first place in the CDM competition in Iloilo City in preparation for the SONA.
“We are 100 percent ready,” Aliño said, adding that they will exercise maximum tolerance and ensure the safety of the people.
The BCPO will also provide assistance to the public that will be affected by the transport strike.
Aliño said they will deploy police vehicles from all 10 police stations to give free rides. Commuters will only have to smile in return for the gesture.
Pacifico Maghari III, city administrator, said there is no specific group that will join the transport strike.
Maghari said that most of the transport leaders here told the city government that they will not participate in gratitude to Mayor Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez for helping them with the issuance of provisional authority with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).