No gun ban violator was arrested and no serious violent incident was recorded in what the Philippine National Police (PNP) described as a peaceful and orderly street activities during the second State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr.

PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo attributed the generally peaceful SONA to proper coordination and preparations conducted to ensure that zero-violence, especially between pro and anti-government rallyists and between policemen and protesters.

 “The preparations were good and the security plan was implemented the way it should be in coordination with the local government units and other agencies,” said Fajardo.

“The cooperation of the general public also played a significant role in maintaining peace and order particularly in all the engagement areas,” she added.

Around 3,000 protesters and around 1,500 more from various groups supporting the Marcos administration were monitored since Monday morning—from the places of convergence in Manila and Quezon City up to the march and activity held near the Batasang Pambansa where the President delivered his speech.

The PNP has deployed around 22,000 policemen and they were reinforced by personnel from various government agencies like the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, the Bureau of Fire Protection and the LGUs.

The PNP has also implemented a 24-hour gun ban in Metro Manila, Central Luzon and Region 4A as part of the security measures. The gun ban is expected to be lifted at midnight.

Police Brig. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr., director of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), said the deployment of their personnel and the security measures implemented were smooth from the start.

He, however, noted that there were two policemen who were confronted by the protesters who in turn said that the cops infiltrated their ranks and took videos and photos of them.

“But they did not fight back. In fact, they were the ones who were hurt and this is in compliance with the instruction of Chief PNP to observe maximum tolerance,” said Nartatez.

“But overall, the security operations deployment and operations were very successful leading to the conduct of the smooth delivery of the SONA,” he added.

Source:
courtesy of MANILA BULLETIN

by AARON RECUENCO

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