CHR: Observe maximum tolerance at SONA rallies

MANILA, Philippines - Commission on Human Rights (CHR) chairperson Loretta Rosales called on police anti-riot policemen to respect human rights and exercise maximum tolerance in dealing with militant groups during protest rallies when President Aquino delivers his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 25.

Rosales made the call in her keynote speech at the 2011 civil disturbance management competition of the National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) Saturday, even as she expressed confidence that the President’s SONA would turn out to be peaceful and orderly.

Rosales said she would deploy human rights personnel to record the protest rallies to determine whether it is the police or the militants who started trouble in case violence erupts.

NCRPO chief director Alan Purisima meanwhile declared the readiness of his men to ensure peace and order during the President’s SONA.

“All I could say is that my men are now ready for any eventuality come July 25, the SONA of President Aquino,” Purisima said.

Purisima and Congress officials earlier agreed on the implementation of traffic and security plans.

“The Congress security would secure their perimeter while our anti-crowd management disturbance teams to handle the rowdy crowds of protesters,” he said.

Purisima said 7,000 policemen would be deployed during the SONA, while NCRPO deputy for administration Chief Superintendent Miguel Laurel gave assurance they would also secure Metro Manila against criminal syndicates.

“We may be busy contending with militant groups during the SONA but this does not give license to criminals to take advantage of the situation as Laurel and his men are out to engaged them,” Purisima said.

The NCRPO chief said he is confident that the traffic and security plan they have prepared for the SONA is enough to maintain peace and order in the metropolis.

He said Task Force Central which was tasked to secure the vicinity of the Batasan Pambansa complex would be headed by QCPD director Chief Superintendent George Regis.

Manila Police District (MPD) director Chief Superintendent Roberto Rongavilla will secure Mendiola bridge while Southern Police District (SPD) director Chief Superintendent Jose Arne de los Santos will take care of the Senate building in Pasay City.