AFP: No threats to Noy's 4th SONA

MANILA, Philippines - The military has not detected any threat ahead of the fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Benigno Aquino III on July 22.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Emmanuel Bautista, nevertheless, said the military is ready to help the police in securing the event.

“The primary [role of securing the SONA belongs to] the police. We will support them in terms of manpower and equipment,” Bautista said in a press conference.

“We have not detected threats so far,” he added.

AFP spokesman Brig. Gen. Domingo Tutaan Jr. said they are expecting militant groups to hold mass demonstrations near the Batasan complex.

Tutaan said the military is ready to provide civil disturbance management personnel to ensure the orderly conduct of such activities.

Aquino’s fourth SONA will usher in the second half of his presidency. Malacanang officials previously said the address would highlight, among other matters, the passage of the laws on Reproductive Health (RH) and sin tax

The RH Law, which drew flak for allotting billions for contraceptives despite the insufficient budget allotted to state hospitals, is now being questioned before the court.

The sin tax measure, meanwhile, aims to generate state revenues by imposing higher taxes on tobacco and alcohol.