MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police will not use the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic as an excuse to arrest protesters during the President’s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 27. Gen. Bernard Banac said over ANC on Friday when asked if the PNP will use the COVID-19 pandemic as an excuse to break up protests during the SONA. ADVERTISEMENTMeanwhile, Banac said the PNP will field over 5,000 police officers in Metro Manila to secure as well as assist the protesters during the SONA. We will also be maintaining social distancing, we will stay far from protesters. President Rodrigo Duterte will be delivering his address personally at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City with a limited number of Cabinet members and lawmakers attending, to promote social distancing and help contain the spread of COVID-19.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer July 24, 2020 01:40 UTC