PNP orders cops to ”exercise maximum tolerance” for SONA protesters

July 22, 2019

The Philippine National Police ( PNP) on Monday told police officers to "exercise maximum tolerance" as they will face thousands of protesters for President Rodrigo Duterte's fourth State of the Nation Address ( SONA). 

Albayalde conducted an inspection around 8 am at Batasan Hills in Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City.

"We have been doing this for a long time. Every year, you already know what to do. Every year, we always remind everyone to exercise maximum tolerance," he said.

Albayalde told policemen to let protesters do what they want as long as they are not violating the law. 

"Make sure that not because they are hurting you, you will (water) bomb them," he said.

The PNP chief reminded them to fix themselves and to not have their firearms with them.

"Your shield and other things should not be used unnecessarily," Albayalde said.

"We expect them to conduct a peaceful (protest)," he added.

Albayalde told them to be more patient as this kind of event happens once a year. "Make sure we conduct this peacefully," he said.

"Be alert and vigilant. Anything suspicious you report it to your immediate supervisor," he added.

After the inspection, Albayalde went to the PNP band they deployed and sang.

With him are National Capital Region Police Office chief, Major General Guillermo Eleazar and Quezon City Police District Director, Brigadier General Joselito Esquivel Jr. "Let's sing first before we go to rally," said Albayalde.

In an ambush interview, Albayalde said there are intelligence officers in civilian wear around protest areas.

"This is not to surveillance them. We know that they hurt our policemen, this is for their own personal protection," he said.

The PNP chief said they will conduct random inspection under "compelling reasons".

"If we see someone acting suspicious, then we will be compelled to randomly check their things," he added.

The PNP deployed around 14,000 police officers for the SONA where around 8,000 are assigned at Quezon City.

Albayalde said they have enough contingent and does not see the need for additional deployment.

"We have sizeable contingent... CDM (Civil Disturbance Management) are situated in the areas where they can easily be deployed," he said.

The PNP chief said they have not received any threat and hoped no one will take advantage of the event.

"We have not received threats but then again, we appeal to the public to remain vigilant," he said.

Albayalde said the situation remains peaceful aside from traffic due to protesters who are occupying the entire opposite lane.

Earlier, NCRPO said they are expecting around 15,000 protesters. Ella Dionisio/DMS