The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) is set to go on heightened alert Sunday, a day before President Arroyo delivers her State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 28th.
Thousands of policemen will be deployed across Metro Manila, the bulk of which will secure the Batasan Pambansa where the President will deliver her annual report.
NCRPO chief Director Geary Barias said police expect anti-government rallies to be peaceful.
He also assured rally organizers and the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) that the police will exercise maximum tolerance against the protesters.
Batasan readied for SONA
Security at the Batasan Pambansa meanwhile is already tight. At the gate, no one - not even the media – were allowed to enter at this time without an accreditation ID.
For the first time X-ray machines would be used during the SONA, and these will be placed at all main entrances of the building.
Walk-through metal detectors, especially at the South Wing where guests are expected to enter, are also set to be installed.
To make sure last year's bombing will not be repeated, a mobile X-ray machine would roam around the parking area. It is supposed be capable of detecting what is inside a vehicle one to two meters away.
Col. Isabelito Flores, Legislative Security Bureau chief, said more high-technology closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras have been added around Batasan.
Finishing touches are also being done on the exterior and interior areas of the Lower House, from the flooring of the main entrances to the wall paintings and lights.
Even the portraits of House speakers have been replaced. With a report from Cecille Lardizabal, ABS-CBN News