- Davao City police mobilize over 200 personnel for possible protest rallies
THE DAVAO City Police Office (DCPO) will deploy 208 law enforcers in anticipation of the protest actions for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 22.
DCPO spokesperson Captain Hazel Tuazon said, “We haven’t ruled out the possibility of rallies on that day but our police force is ready for whatever time they [protesters] may arrive,” Tuazon stated.
She emphasized the police’s commitment to maintaining peace and order, saying, “We want to avoid any disturbances during the President’s SONA. Our security plan is in place.”
While Davao City has not experienced any violent actions in recent years, Tuazon said they “cannot ignore the possibility of disturbances.”
In addition to regular police officers from Stations 1 (Sta. Ana) and 2 (San Pedro), the DCPO will deploy its Civil Disturbance Management (CDM) and Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams to ensure public safety.
Tuazon reassured the public, stating, “Our fellow citizens should not worry. We have police in place to ensure everyone’s safety, both those who may rally and those passing through the Freedom Park area.”
The police presence aims to strike a balance between respecting the right to peaceful assembly and maintaining order during the President’s SONA.
In Manila, aside from the Quezon city police, an additional 1,000 cops coming from Central Luzon and Calabarzon will bring to 23,000 the total number of police officers that will be deployed to secure the SONA.
Previously, President Marcos’ first SONA was one hour and 14 minutes long. His second address lasted for one hour and 11 minutes.
File Photo: Bing Gonzales
