PNP to militants planning SONA protests: Respect our country, leaders

The Philippine National Police on Thursday asked groups planning to hold protest actions to "be mature" and respect President Benigno Aquino III when he delivers his State of the Nation Address on July 28.

 

Quezon City Police District head Chief Superintendent Richard Albano issued the call after representatives of militant groups failed to attend a dialogue on the police's security preparations on Monday, radio dzBB's Rowena Salvacion reported.

 

"Be mature enough. Dapat alam na natin kung hanggang saan tayo," the report quoted Albano as telling militant groups through the media.

 

Albano was referring to the areas where protesters may and may not go on July 28, when Aquino addresses a joint session of Congress at the Batasan Pambansa.

 

The dzBB report said the police would allow the protesters to reach Commonwealth Avenue, but wouldn't let them get near IBP Road.

 

Albano also said the police would observe "super, super maximum tolerance" in dealing with protesters 

 

"Respect our country, our leaders," Albano said 

 

Earlier, the PNP said it would go on heightened alert starting Friday afternoon for the Iglesia Ni Cristo centennial on Sunday, Aquino's SONA on Monday, and Eidl Fitr on Tuesday.

 

Meanwhile, the Bureau of Fire Protection will deploy 201 personnel, 30 fire trucks and five ambulances at rally areas on Monday. —Joel Locsin/NB, GMA News