• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) has reminded its police personnel to observe maximum tolerance as they augment security for the State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. today.
The 155 policemen have to observe maximum tolerance, ensure the protection of human rights, and strictly comply with the Philippine National Police Revised Police Operational Procedures, it said in a statement on Sunday.
Intelligence reports indicated possible mobilizations by the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People’s Army affiliated organizations, targeting vulnerable sectors in a bid to stir public dissent during the SONA, it added.
PLt. Col. Joem Malong, PRO-NIR spokesperson, said the deployment aims to ensure a safe, peaceful, and orderly conduct of the President’s constitutional address.
With the theme “Sa Bagong Pilipinas, Ang Gusto ng Pulis, Ligtas Ka,” the PRO-NIR aligns its operations with national efforts to safeguard both the formal event and the general public, assuring the public that appropriate security measures are in place.
Malong said a task group has been activated to oversee operational coordination, intelligence monitoring, civil disturbance management readiness, traffic control, media coordination, human rights adherence, and emergency response preparations in close coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Bureau of Fire Protection, and other government units.
The Regional Command Center will be fully operational, monitoring activities, situational reports, and deployed body-worn camera footage in real time, she added.
The PRO-NIR also called on the public to cooperate with the authorities, remain vigilant, and report any suspicious activities as part of the collective effort to ensure the safety and security of all Filipinos during the SONA. | GB
