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PNP is prepared for SONA 2018, says official


The Philippine National Police said it is prepared for President Rodrigo Duterte's third State of the Nation Address on Monday, July 23.

PNP Public Information Office chief Senior Superintendent Benigno Durana said during a phone interview on Super Radyo dzBB's "Dobol B sa News TV" that the PNP conducted simulation exercises last Friday to ensure the safety and security of the president in different scenarios.

Saying that their principle is to always prepare for the worst, they have prepared subsequent and responsive security interventions for any possible scenario.

He stressed, however, that no specific threat has been reported ahead of the event.

Durana also said that while they want to protect protesters' rights, they also need to protect the public's right to free and orderly access to roads.

Traffic rerouting will be enforced on Monday, while plainclothes police personnel  will monitor and identify spoilers of a peaceful democratic exercise. The Armed Forces of the Philippines and local government units, especially the Quezon City government, will also participate in monitoring activities during the SONA.

Representatives from the Commission of Human Rights have also been invited to join them in manning the operation center to prove that their security measures are "in accordance with the human rights standards and principles."

"The desire really is to have everyone the opportunity to express whatever is their opinion. Although in some cases we don't agree with the opinion... we have the duty as public servants to make sure that they'll have all the freedom to exercise their right to freedom of expression," Durana said.

However, Durana also said that protesters can be confrontational, and accused some groups of instigating confrontation to make the news.

"Alam naman natin 'yan. Kasi kung walang issue, if it's not confrontational, walang istorya. Walang dating...They will instigate para alam niyo naman, bad news is good news," he said.

Also included in the security plans the possibility of Duterte going outside the Batasang Pambansa Complex to meet the protesters, just as he did during last year's SONA. — Maia Tria/BM, GMA News

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