Central Luzon police on alert for SONA-related rallies

The police in Central Luzon are on alert for possible rallies by militant groups in time for President Benigno Aquino III’s delivery of his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) this month. Regional police head Chief Superintendent Edgardo Ladao said they expect SONA-related rallies to highlight the row over Hacienda Luisita, according to a report on dwIZ radio Monday. Ladao said he has ordered provincial and city police to draw up strategies to deal with the protests, some of which may take place in Angeles and San Fernando cities in Pampanga. He said he has mobilized his intelligence network in the region to determine if there are threats to peace and order, especially as the July 25 SONA nears. Meanwhile, Ladao said the Central Luzon police is ready to send a contingent to augment Metro Manila police in dealing with protesters holding rallies on July 25. He said the augmentation force will come from the Regional Public Safety Company. - VVP, GMA News