INTERIOR Secretary Eduardo Año yesterday warned rallyists against violating health protocols during today’s demonstrations in connection with President Duterte’s last State of the Nation Address or risk being shut down.
“Ang guideline ko ay susunod sila sa health protocols kasi pagka hindi ‘yan masunod, isang ground ‘yan para pa-stop natin ang ginagawa nilang rally. (My guideline is for them to follow health protocols because if that is not followed, that will be a ground for us to stop their rally),” he said of the need to wear face mask and face shield while observing physical distancing.
Citing the result of a meeting among the Quezon City government, PNP and the rally organizers, Año said SONA rallies may be held at the University of the Philippines-Tandang Sora area.
Año said such rallies should not be allowed because the National Capital Region is under general community quarantine with heightened restrictions “but of course we recognize their right to express themselves and their sentiments.
“So they came up with arrangements where they can express sentiments in an orderly manner and following health protocols,” he said.
PNP chief Guillermo Eleazar said protest actions will be limited only up to the Saint Peter Memorial Chapels on Commonwealth Ave. near Tandang Sora Ave.
In a radio interview, Eleazar said this was the agreement reached by the Quezon City government, PNP, and various cause-oriented groups after a meeting last Saturday.
He said the QC government will only allow protesters to gather at the University of the Philippines-Diliman compound, the Commission on Human Rights office on Commonwealth Ave., and the National Housing Authority at the Elliptical Road.
Eleazar said the protesters will be allowed to proceed to Saint Peter Memorial Chapels (not Saint Peter Church as allowed in the past), occupying only a number of lanes on the northbound lane of Commonwealth Ave. so that other parts of the road can be used.
Año said demonstrators will not be allowed to proceed to the Batasan Complex, where Duterte will deliver his SONA.
The PNP earlier said at least 15,000 policemen will be deployed to secure the President’s sixth and last SONA. Police said it has not monitored any threat to the event.
Año also advised people from the provinces against going to Metro Manila to join the protests due to strict travel restrictions in relation to the fight against COVID-19.
“If your purpose in going to Manila is join the rally, do not proceed because you won’t be allowed to proceed,” Año said, adding people from the provinces who want to hold protest actions should hold their demonstrations in their areas “so that everyone, including you and the other rallyists, will be safe.”
Eleazar earlier suspended Permits to Carry Firearms Outside of Residence in Metro Manila from July 21 to 28 as an added measure to ensure an orderly and peaceful SONA.
Metro Manila police chief Maj. Gen. Vicente Danao said the decision to limit the protesters only up to Saint Peter Memorial Chapels will ensure that traffic will continue to flow on Commonwealth Ave.
Danao said signal jammers will also be installed at the vicinity of the Batasan Complex as an added security measure so that improvised explosive devices, if any, cannot be detonated remotely.
The Quezon City Police District on Saturday said it will implement a temporary rerouting scheme at the vicinity of the Batasan Pambansa complex in time for the President’s last SONA. — With Raymond Africa and Noel Talacay
