Eleazar says COVID-19 'lone' security threat to Pres. Duterte's 5th SONA

Law-enforcement authorities will focus on the COVID-19 threat during the State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, Philippine National Police Deputy Chief for Operations Police Lieutenant General Guillermo Eleazar said Sunday.

Interviewed on Dobol B sa News TV, Eleazar noted that there is no security threat monitored for President Rodrigo Duterte’s 5th SONA.

“Wala tayong namo-monitor na threat overall pero patuloy naman 'yung pagkakalap natin niyan,” Eleazar said.

“The only threat that we have is the COVID threat. Ang ating challenge ngayon is dahil dito sa pandemya na ating kinakaharap ngayon kaya ‘yun ang ating pinag-uukulan ng pansin,” he added.

Eleazar pointed out that mass gatherings are discouraged on the day of the SONA because they can contribute to the transmission of the virus.

He noted that the Quezon City Police District did not issue any permit for mass gathering. However, he said that the QCPD is still in talks with the protesters who would like to hold public events.

According to Eleazar, some protesters are requesting to do the mass gathering in the University of the Philippines, Diliman campus.

Before the pandemic, protesters usually conduct rallies on Commonwealth Avenue near the Batasang Pambansa Complex.

Further, Eleazar said around 5,400 PNP personnel will be deployed in Quezon City.

Around 1,900 more personnel from other agencies will also be deployed like from Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Bureau of Fire Protection, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, and AFP Joint Task Force - National Capital Region.

The PNP is on red alert nationwide for the SONA on Monday, Eleazar said.

In a press conference on Sunday, QCPD chief Police Brigadier General Ronnie  Montejo said they will allow protesters to conduct a mass gathering in UP campus but they are prohibited from going outside the area.

“Nakahanda rin po kami. So, huwag po kayong magtaka kung bakit may mga pulis pa rin sa kahabaan ng Commonwealth,” he said.

National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Major General Debold Sinas said they would arrest the protesters if they commit violations.

“Kung matigas talaga ang ulo, ay mapipilitan ang mga pulis na hulihin sila. Meron na kaming napag-usapan,” he said.

According to Sinas, a total of 7,400 law enforcement personnel from all agencies will be deployed. Aside from these, Sinas said 30 K9 units will be designated in some areas in the NCR.  —LBG, GMA News