Palace reminds cops to keep the peace at SONA

Malacañang on Saturday reminded police to keep the peace on Monday when President Benigno Aquino III delivers his second State of the Nation Address (SONA). Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the Palace is aware both pro- and anti-administration groups are to hold activities to air their sentiments on Monday. “Ang rule ng kapulisan is to keep the peace. Ang [instruction] sa kanila is to maintain peace and order sa lugar na magkakaroon ng pagtitipon ang ating mga kababayan," Valte said on government-run dzRB radio. The Philippine National Police earlier bared rerouting schemes for Commonwealth Avenue and other areas near the Batasan Complex in Quezon City. Various groups have scheduled protest marches and other activities in parts of Metro Manila on Monday, when Aquino is to deliver his second SONA before a joint session of Congress. Metro Manila police are to go on full alert starting Sunday in preparation for the event. Last Saturday, militants held marches and rallies at the Philcoa area in Quezon City, according to a report on Balitanghali. The groups said this was a preview of their protest actions starting Monday noon. Women's group Gabriela also prepared its props for its own SONA rally on Monday. — LBG, GMA News