SONA could be a wet day for demonstrators

President Benigno Aquino III

MANILA, Philippines—Protesters at the President’s State of the Nation Address next week should probably bring an umbrella to avoid getting drenched – but not only by the rain.

Some 31 fire trucks will be deployed in strategic locations in Metro Manila, along with nine ambulances, as part of security arrangements for the SONA, an event usually marked by anti-government demonstrations.

The Bureau of Fire Protection-National Capital Region (BFP-NCR) said the fire trucks and ambulances will provide security and support services in case of  emergencies.

A total of 283 fire fighters and paramedics will be deployed “to assist and to render medical assistance or first aid in case of injuries and will right away bring casualties if there be any to nearby hospitals,” said Chief Superintendent Santiago Laguna, BFP-NCR director.

Earlier, the Philippine National Police said some 6,000 anti-riot and crowd control troops will secure the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City, where President Benigno  Aquino will deliver his annual address.

On the other hand, the military’s Standing Joint Task Force-National Capital Region, which replaced the National Capital Region Command, will serve as a backup force.

Laguna said the presence of the fire personnel, along with the police and military units, should ensure the safety of the President, members of the Senate and the House of Representatives and other top government officials.

He said that although some fire trucks and ambulances will be stationed as part of the support group of other government agencies, the BFP will be maintaining a sufficient force at their respective districts, ready to respond to fire calls or other emergencies.

The PNP has formed a “super task force” led by the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) and supported by contingents from police regional offices in Luzon and other support units, PNP spokesperson Chief Superintendent Generoso Cerbo Jr. said.

“We are calling it a super task force because it will involve not only personnel from NCRPO. In order to be ready for this even, we have tasked other units like Regions 1, 2, 3, 4-A and the Cordillera region to send their own contingents,” he told a press briefing.

The PNP’s Police Security and Protection Group based in Camp Crame will escort VIPs who will attend the SONA, while the PNPs elite Special Action Force will also be standing guard, Cerbo added.