Iloilo City police gears up for SONA activities
The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) has already prepared a contingency plan in line with the forthcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on July 27.
ICPO Director Melvin Mongcal said the security plan is already in place following the directives from higher headquarters to map out a Security Plan to ensure order and security around the city during the significant day.
As of July 21, Mongcal said only one cause-oriented group has signified to hold a protest action on July 27.
“A group had already manifested their intention to hold a protest rally during the day and I have already endorsed their application for a permit to the Office of the City Mayor,” said Mongcal.
The group is expected to assemble at the Jaro Plaza and move to the Iloilo Provincial Capitol Grounds.
Mongcal said all the police precincts will be placed on heightened alert and teams will also be deployed to keep guard government vital installations in the city.
In Metro Manila where the bulk of public activities are anticipated to take place, PNP Spokesperson S/Supt. Leonardo Espina disclosed in a PIA Dispatch that the security plan being implemented by the PNP includes the installation of closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras in strategic areas.
“The PNP is doing this to install peace, security and road traffic ease for the general public despite rally group’s protests action,” explained Espina.