Eleazar calls on SONA rallyists not to wear jackets, bring backpacks

National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Major General Guillermo Eleazar has advised protesters during President Rodrigo Duterte's fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) next week not to wear jackets or bring backpacks.

Eleazar told reporters that police would coordinate with the leaders of the protesters regarding their request which is connected to ensuring peace and order during Duterte's SONA.

"We discourage, actually 'yung mga kausap namin doon, pinaparating namin 'yung concern namin and they will do their best kagaya ng pagdala ng mga gamit pero mahirap naman sabihing, bawal lahat 'yan. Kaya mo bang i-enforce 'yan?" Eleazar said.

"As much as possible wala na sanang magsuot ng ganon... Mas maganda kung walang jackets para kitang-kita kung meron mang itatago just like sa bags, kung 'yung bags kasi puwedeng itago, pwedeng transparent parang magba-bar exam, di ba?" he added.

Eleazar noted that jackets as well as backpacks could be used to hide vests which may be used to perpetrate bombing incidents.

Eleazar admitted that this is not fully enforceable as authorities may not inspect each and every protester during the SONA.

The NCRPO chief has said authorities are expecting more or less 15,000 protesters.

Eleazar added that 15,000 policemen and force multipliers would be deployed in the whole Metro Manila. Of that number, 9,000 policemen and force multipliers will be assigned in Quezon City. —KBK, GMA News