PNP to deploy 7,000 cops on streets to secure Aquino’s SONA

MANILA, Philippines– Security will be tight on roads leading to the House of Representatives and nearby areas when President Aquino delivers his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 25, according to a police official.

Chief Superintendent George Regis, Quezon City Police District director, said Aquino’s house on Times Street in Barangay (village) West Triangle, Quezon City, would also be guarded closely.

Regis said they were anticipating protesters to troop to the President’s house to dramatize their sentiments.

Regis said a total of 7,000 policemen have been assigned to road security during Aquino’s SONA.

He said the deployment would include personnel from the National Capital Region Police Office and the Police Regional Offices from Regions 1, 2, 3, 4-A and the Cordillera.

The police official said they have started to coordinate with various militant organizations that would stage protest actions and found out that the number of people to be mobilized by the groups had gone down and would be lower than the 6,500-turnout in previous years.

Regis said the deployment of personnel would begin in the first hour of July 25.