Protesters should not inconvenience public during SONA – PNP chief

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil urged activists not to inconvenience the public when they hold their rallies during the third State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Marcos, saying city roads are not for anyone’s exclusive use.

Marbil vowed police officers will exercise maximum tolerance in dealing with anti-government demonstrators expected to jam the stretch of Commonwealth Avenue and other major thoroughfares during the SONA, which Marcos will deliver at the Batasang Pambansa complex on July 22.

“You can go for protest, but make sure not to cause inconvenience, have pity on others,” Marbil told reporters in mixed Filipino and English on the sidelines of the PNP Press Corps Shoot Fest at Camp Karingal yesterday.

Marbil also instructed police officials in charge of security for the SONA to ensure that their deployment of personnel will not cause heavy traffic.

“Too much security sometimes angers many because of the inconvenience in traffic. We’re studying this so that after the SONA, people won’t have difficulty going home,” he said.

Over 22,000 police personnel will secure the SONA. Marbil does not see the need to have more police on the ground as they have not monitored any security threats related to the President’s annual address.

“There is nothing to worry about. There is no problem,” Marbil said.

Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan, Quezon City Police District director, said they have yet to receive feedback from the local government if certain groups have applied for rally permits.

After finalizing logistical and financial requirements for their personnel who will secure the SONA, Maranan and other police officials will conduct an ocular inspection of the areas around Batasang Pambansa, IBP Road, Commonwealth Avenue and other major roads in the city.