Despite lack of security threat, AFP not letting its guard down

Armed Forces troops tasked to augment the police in securing President Duterte’s first State of the Nation Address went on red alert at Sunday midnight despite the perceived lack of security threats from marches and rallies being planned by militant and civil society groups.

“We will declare a red alert [effective] at midnight,” Armed Forces of the Philippines Joint Task Force-National Capital Region Command head Col. Vic Tomas told reporters.

“None so far, no threats,” Tomas replied when asked if there were security threats to the conduct of Mr. Duterte’s first Sona.

“It’s a normal thing that we do. It’s also difficult if we get too confident. As I said, the President didn’t want an overkill [in security preparations] but, of course, this is just routine,” he said.

According to Tomas, the AFP and Philippine National Police will implement “the same security preparations” in previous Sonas with the same number of civil disturbance units, canine teams, explosive and ordnance disposal units, special reconnaissance regiments and support forces to be deployed.

“The only difference is that there are early talks with the progressives who want to hold their rally. There is a designated area which I think they agreed on, but they are lobbying if a selected group could go near the House of Representatives,” he added.

Tomas said the rally organizers assured security forces that the small group would not be unruly while airing their grievances. However, they would allowed only as far as St. Peter’s Church on Commonwealth Avenue, he pointed out.

Despite the assurances given by the ralliers, Tomas said the security forces would be vigilant in enforcing peace and order.

“Definitely, we will not let our guard down but there won’t be an overwhelming number of forces, just the right number. It’s just a simple prepositioning of forces in areas where there are government facilities, where they won’t cause traffic,” Tomas added.

A day before the President’s Sona, more than 500 members of the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan-Southern Tagalog (Bayan-ST) gathered at the Quezon Memorial Circle for a peace camp in preparation for their peaceful rally today.

Forming a human peace sign on the grounds of the public park, the Bayan-ST members said they wanted to show that they were united in calling for “change, peace and development” from the present administration.

Bayan-ST spokesperson Diego Torres told the Inquirer that they hoped to raise important issues before the government such as the continuation of the peace talks and release of political prisoners. With Maricar B. Brizuela