MANILA, Philippines - Metro Manila police will undergo a seminar on human rights Wednesday to make sure they wont violate rights of protesters on Monday, when President Arroyo delivers her State of the Nation Address (SONA).
Metro Manila police commander Dir. Geary Barias said the seminar on human rights would be conducted at the Quezon City Police District Parade Ground in Camp Karingal.
"In preparation for the deployment of our Civil Disturbance Management units (CDMUs) for the SONA, we will be doing this seminar to refresh our CDM personnel on the role of the PNP in the protection of human rights as well as to provide knowledge on the rules and regulations during deployment," Barias said in a statement on the Philippine National Police website.
Commission on Human Rights (CHR) chairwoman Leila de Lima and Philippine National Police chief Dir. Gen. Avelino Razon Jr. are expected to attend the seminar, he said.
Metro Manila police spokesman Supt. Rhodel Sermonia said the CDM units will be "fully armed" with the knowledge on civil liberties and human rights.
He said that after Wednesday's seminar, the PNP expects the conduct of the rallies would be peaceful and orderly, like in past years.
Barias reassured the public the CDMUs would never engage in any act that would violate human rights and civil liberties. - GMANews.TV