Dela Rosa: PNP prepared for SONA protests
PNP chief Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa on Sunday assured the public that the police force is prepared for the anticipated protests during President Rodrigo Duterte’s State of the Nation Address.
MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa on Sunday assured the public that the police force is prepared for anticipated protests during President Rodrigo Duterte’s State of the Nation Address on Monday.
“We are prepared. Kahit marami sila at wala silang gagawing masama, we don't have to be afraid of them,” Dela Rosa said in a televised interview with CNN.
Earlier this month, the Philippine National Police held a simulation exercise at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila to train for unmanageable scenarios such as protesters attacking police and throwing protest paraphernalia at them.
Chief Superintendent Oscar Albayalde, National Capital Region Police Office director, said protesters will be allowed up to the South Gate of the Batasan Complex, where Duterte’s SONA will be held on Monday. In the past SONAs, protesters were blocked on Commonwealth Avenue.
Protests during SONAs in previous administrations were only allowed up to a point on Commonwealth Avenue near the St. Peter Parish Church.
About 6,000 police officers have been assigned to secure the Batasan Complex, where the House of Representatives holds sessions.
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