NO untoward incident was reported in President Marcos Jr.’s third State of the Nation Address (SONA) yesterday, with the PNP saying everything was “generally peaceful.”
“Based on the report of the ground commander, it was generally peaceful,” PNP spokeswoman Col. Jean Fajardo said in a phone interview, attributing this to security measures the PNP laid out in cooperation with other government agencies.
National Capital Region Police Office spokeswoman Lt. Col. Eunice Salas went further, saying: “It (SONA) was very successful. Everything went according to plan.
“No untoward incident was reported, no protesters were hurt. It’s generally peaceful, that’s our assessment. Basically, it was successful because there was no untoward incident reported. Our security preparation was implemented to the letter,” said Salas.
“According to the RD (regional director), it’s the most peaceful (SONA),” said Salas.
“We highly appreciate the cooperation of the numerous organizations and rally organizers who respected their limits, as well as the public as a whole,” NCRPO Director Maj. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said.
“This cooperative spirit contributed to the smooth and peaceful outcome of SONA 2024,” added Nartatez.
The only fly in the ointment was the burning of effigies of President Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte along Commonwealth Ave. in the morning.
Fajardo said the PNP is preparing a criminal complaint against those involved.
“According to the director of the NCRPO, they documented the incident. They are preparing the charges, they will file a case,” said Fajardo.
She said the protesters did not burn any effigy in the afternoon.
“In the afternoon, no one burned (effigy). Our security coverage led to orderly and peaceful SONA,” said Fajardo.
The NCRPO said those who burned effigies of the President and the Vice President “will face appropriate legal consequences, as their actions constituted a violation of the law.”
Some 23,000 policemen were deployed to secure the SONA, with Fajardo saying about 3,000 anti-government protesters were monitored.
They were allowed to stage a protest rally in front of the Diliman Doctors Hospital on Commonwealth Ave., about six kilometers away from the Batasan Pambansa Complex.
Fajardo said 4,500 pro-government people gathered in front of the Commission of Audit, also on Commonwealth Ave., to air their support to the Marcos administration.
“We monitored a total of 7,500,” said Fajardo, referring to the combined number of the anti and pro-government groups who held programs during the SONA.
Fajardo said members of both groups dispersed before the President finished his address due to heavy rains.
As to the challenges encountered by PNP personnel, Fajardo said: “It’s the weather (but) they did not leave their posts even during rains to make sure we will manage the situation along Commonwealth.
“Even if they were soaking wet, they didn’t leave (their positions) to ensure there will be no (untoward) incident, security threat,” added Fajardo.
Fajardo said the protesters did not attempt to sow violence.
“We also would like to thank them for honoring their word that they are going to behave, that they will follow the (conditions) set under the (rally) permits issued to them,” said Fajardo.
Nartatez commended the police personnel and those from other units who remained vigilant and exercised maximum tolerance.
In a statement, the NCRPO said the policemen “displayed the highest form of discipline by holding their lines despite the heavy rains that tested their endurance and commitment.
“Their unwavering dedication ensured that the event remained orderly, showcasing the professionalism and resilience of the law enforcement officers,” the NCRPO said.
“Your unwavering commitment to delivering comprehensive security coverage and a wide range of services throughout SONA 2024 exemplifies excellence,” added Nartatez. — With Ashzel Hachero
