MANILA – Mass actions and public assemblies were held peacefully by various groups as President Rodrigo Duterte delivered his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday.
“So far matahimik naman. Wala naman tayong na-monitor na mga untoward incidents (So far, it was quiet. We have not monitored any untoward incidents),” National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Maj. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar told the Philippine News Agency (PNA).
“There was also no complaint received against police officers who were deployed to secure the engagement areas for violation of rights of the rallyists/protesters," he stressed.
He said 9,162 cops and force multipliers were sent to secure the vicinity of the Batasang Pambansa.
The Metro Manila top cop attributed the peaceful SONA to their security preparations and the participants of the different assemblies, who also did their part for the event to end peacefully.
Eleazar, who directly supervised and monitored the implementation of security coverage that turned-out positively as planned, was overwhelmed with the remarkable result as he expressed his gratitude to all the personnel directly or indirectly involved, especially to the public -- supporters, stakeholders, and cause-oriented groups -- for keeping their promises in expressing their concerns and grievances peacefully.
“To other government agencies and local government units, that have been our strong partners, for the full support and cooperation to the security coverage; and of course to the Civil Disturbance Management (CDM) contingents and other deployed police officers for professional and vigilant performance of your respective mandated tasks,” the NCRPO chief noted.
"Because we work as one, as a team. After all, the success of the SONA will also mean the success of the nation," he added.
Eleazar also assured that the NCRPO will not rest on its laurels, but will always remain motivated, dedicated, and determined in intensifying the anti-criminality campaigns, war on drugs, and other security measures of the NCRPO.
Eleazar directed all district directors, chiefs of police, stations and field commanders to double their efforts in sustaining peace and order situation in their respective areas of responsibilities.
“Let us be inspired with our gains as a result of our hard work and continue to work harder to further win the trust and confidence of the public whom we have sworn to serve,” said Eleazar.
Around 6,400 rallyists, anti and pro-Duterte groups, converged along Commonwealth Avenue and IBP Road near the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City, hours before President Duterte delivered his SONA.
A heavy downpour on Monday afternoon prompted some protesters of President Duterte’s fourth SONA to abandon their positions along Commonwealth Avenue.
The protest was set to start before 2 p.m. but the heavy downpour made protesters think twice about going ahead with their program and forced them to seek shelter at the nearest business and food establishments along Commonwealth Avenue.
As of 7 p.m., the PNP National Operations Center in Camp Crame reported a generally peaceful and orderly situation throughout the country.
"Mass actions carried out by cause-oriented groups and some pro-government organizations have been conducted peacefully and participants continue to disperse voluntarily with no major untoward incident reported in all areas of engagement where public assemblies were held coinciding with the State of the Nation Address of President Rodrigo R. Duterte," PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac said in a statement.
He, however, assured that the police force will stay vigilant to prevent crimes and is ready to respond to any emergency or call for assistance. (PNA)
