Police Seek Cooperation from Sona Protesters

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Sunday vowed maximum tolerance but appealed for cooperation from protesters mounting rallies during President Marcos’ State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday. More than 20,000 policemen are being deployed to secure key areas before the President delivers his fifth annual state address before Congress at the Batasan Pambansa complex in Quezon City around 4 p.m. Huge mobilizations are expected from multisectoral groups, including Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, Sanlakas and Better Brighter, which have obtained rally permits in designated parts of Commonwealth Avenue, which leads to the Batasan complex. READ: More Filipinos want to hear solutions, not achievements in Sona — survey “Our personnel are also ready to secure protest actions across the country. We likewise ask for the cooperation of everyone who will participate in the rallies,” Nartatez said in a statement. “Let us respect one another’s rights and maintain peace and order on this day.” The national police had earlier said it would “exhaust all peaceful means” to stop protesters from burning effigies during rallies. The National Capital Region Police Office has inspected “critical areas” along Commonwealth Avenue, from St. Peter Parish Church to the Sandiganbayan, including IBP Road, the House of Representatives and the Batasan Police Station. /cb