Report: Cops to install 8 CCTVs around SONA venue

Police will install at least eight closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras along Commonwealth Avenue and other key roads near the Batasan Pambansa complex in Quezon City where President Benigno Aquino III will deliver his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday. Radio dzXL reported Thursday that Metro Manila police chief Director Roberto Rosales ordered the cameras installed to pinpoint troublemakers in protest actions during the SONA. At least 4,000 police personnel will be deployed near the Batasan complex to deal with protesters. Some 6,000 will be deployed in other areas in Metro Manila. Several militant groups are expected to hold protest rallies and their own version of the SONA on July 26. On Wednesday, police held a dialog with protesters and asked them to guard their ranks against infiltrators. On the other hand, those joining the rallies requested they would be allowed to gather nearer the Batasan complex if possible, because such is a good gesture from President Aquino. (See: Rallyists ask police: Allow us near Batasan for SONA) Rosales said only uniformed and unarmed police personnel would be allowed to deal with protesters. — RSJ, GMANews.TV