PNP, AFP personnel in Region 10 to hold SONA peace rally

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 21, 2019): PNP, AFP personnel in Region 10 to hold SONA peace rally

As protesters are expected to hold rallies in some parts of the country in time for the fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Rodrigo Duterte, the Philippine National Police-Region 10 or Northern Mindanao (PNP-10) and the Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry Division (4ID) based here will instead hold a concert and medical outreach on Monday.

Called the “Sona peace rally,” the event was organized to cater to the poor and to give people entertainment during the SONA, said Lt. Col. Mardy Hortillosa, PNP-10 regional spokesperson, on Saturday.

He said musicians from the PNP-10 and the 4ID will be performing during the peace rally.

“We have singers and bands from the police and Army who will be entertaining. At the same time, government medical personnel will also be conducting their own medical mission,” Hortillosa said.

During the event, there will be tooth extraction, medical and dental checkup, among others, he added.

“This is our way of countering the protest actions that might happen during the SONA,” Hortillosa said.

According to him, employees of some regional offices of government agencies have already confirmed their participation to the peace rally.

In a separate interview, Cagayan de Oro City police director Col. Henry Dampal said they have already put in place a security plan for Monday’s SONA.

Part of the security plan, Dampal said, is the deployment of officers and special units such as the anti-riot police and the explosive ordnance disposal during the event.

“Our deployment is calibrated. We don’t know yet where the protest actions are. Deployment will be based on where it is needed. Hopefully, it will be peaceful,” Dampal added.

Meanwhile, PNP-10 director, Brig. Gen. Rafael Santiago Jr. has ordered unit commanders on the ground to intensify their “offensive and defensive mode against insurgents, terrorists and criminals that may disrupt the peaceful conduct of the [SONA].”

In a statement, Santiago said he has reminded police stations to maintain peace and order especially in areas where protests are to take place, supervise traffic, and activate civil disturbance management in coordination with other law enforcement agencies and local governments.

“We should double our efforts to assure the peaceful and successful result of the SONA through our strengthened and enhanced security measures together with our counterparts,” he added.

Hortillosa said that during the SONA, anti-insurgency, anti-criminality, and anti-drug operations will be carried out by the police.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1075559