The Philippine National Police confirmed on Thursday, July 20, that they will be implementing maximum tolerance for protesters for the upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on July 24.
"Maximum tolerance pa rin po ang i-implement po ng inyong Pambansang Pulisya," PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo said in a televised interview.
In a previous press conference on June 5, Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. assured that the police would exercise maximum tolerance for those who would stage demonstrations.
"Yung ating mga kapulisan naman trained na sa mga operations na yan. We oftentimes hear the words maximum tolerance, observation of human rights," Acorda noted.
According to data from the Quezon City Police District (QCPD), there have been two requests for a permit to demonstrate.
As rally participants are only permitted in authorized places, Fajardo stated that PNP officials will be deployed to monitor them.
"At least 25,000 PNP officers will be stationed in Metro Manila," Fajardo confirmed.
On the other hand, the progressive group Bayan confirmed that the SONA protests will be bigger this year, with thousands of protesters and 50 organizations expected to join.
In the morning of the SONA, different groups will gather in different areas to conduct their own programs before they merge in the Commonwealth-Tandang Sora area in Quezon City, according to Bayan Secretary General Mong Palatino.
The SONA will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the afternoon.
