Huge number of Sona protesters ‘a significant threat’

The large number of protesters expected during the President’s State of the Nation Address (Sona) next week is seen as a “significant threat,” according to the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO). Newly installed regional director Chief Supt. Marcelo Garbo Jr. said this year’s protesters may reach up to 20,000 compared to last year’s 6,000. “At the moment, the threat is significant,” Garbo told reporters in a press conference on Tuesday. However, he assured Metro residents not to worry as he had already discussed security preparations with officials of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD). “We anticipate that more people will go to the Sona protests this year,” Garbo said. According to him, he will recommend that the Metro Manila police force go on full alert starting Friday. Garbo noted that the House of Representatives, where the Sona would be held, has many entry and exit points. He said areas leading to the venue would be off limits to protesters, adding that maximum tolerance would be enforced. “Everything will be done within police operational procedures. The police is a partner of the Commission on Human Rights and we adhere to human rights,” Garbo added. Julie M. Aurelio