PNP: Human rights to be observed in SONA protests

MANILA, Philippines—Human rights for protesters will be observed at President Benigno Aquino III’s second State of the Nation Address, the Philippine National Police’s Directorate for Operations said Monday.

Director Leocadio Santiago said the PNP Human Rights Office was coordinating with the Commission on Human Rights-National Capital Region to monitor the movements of the police and protesters along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City.

Santiago said they were implementing PNP Chief Director General Raul Bacalzo’s instruction that no human rights will be violated.

Santiago ordered the HRO police forces in the area to ensure that the anti- and pro- Aquino protesters should not get close to each other as much as possible to avoid conflict.