SONA security force raised to 10,000

The recovery of a Batasan complex blueprint from six arrested Magdalo soldiers in Quezon City last Friday has prompted Metro police chief Director Vidal Querol to raise from 8,600 to 10,000 the number of policemen and soldiers that will secure the area during President Arroyo’s 6th State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 24.

"The Batasan blueprint is a major concern for us. So we made the necessary adjustment by raising the number of policemen and soldiers securing the premises during the President’s SONA," Querol told The Star yesterday.

SONA security topped the agenda of a command conference attended by Querol, his staff officers, five district directors and 37 station commanders at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City.

Because of the development, the Metro police chief ordered intensified intelligence and monitoring activities against all groups allied with the Magdalo group, including militant and opposition groups.

"We should come up with a summary of information on the results of the intelligence and investigation of the suspects and determine what actions to take for the peaceful holding of the SONA," Querol said.

He directed Chief Superintendent Nicasio Radovan Jr., director of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD), to coordinate with barangay officials and watchmen as well as civilian volunteers in his preparation for the SONA.

"In the light of the arrest of the six Magdalo soldiers, we must improve our coordination with concerned officials to see to it that the SONA would be without hitches," said Querol.

As of yesterday, no groups have filed a permit to hold a rally to coincide with Mrs. Arroyo’s SONA.

But Querol said he would see to it that the venue for anti-Arroyo rallies are a good distance apart.

"We will talk to rally organizers and leaders and see to it that the anti-Arroyo and pro-Arroyo rallies are at a safe distance to prevent violent clashes between them," said Querol, adding that anti-riot policemen would be fielded in the middle of both groups to ensure peaceful assembly.

During the conference, Querol reiterated the directive of newly-installed Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Oscar Calderon for the Metro police to continue combating street crimes.

"Gen. Calderon appreciates our Night Watch program because it supports economic activities during night time such as call centers," said Querol, noting that the PNP chief wants the project replicated in major cities in the country.

Querol also distributed plaques to the QCPD, Makati City police and the Station 7 of the QCPD, for being adjudged as the Best Police District, Best Police Station and Best Numbered Police Station, respectively, for the first quarter of the year.