Cebu police ready for SONA protests

Local

PROTESTS may flare, but peace remains non-negotiable.

As the nation counts down to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 28, the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) is doubling down on security measures to ensure a safe and orderly atmosphere in the city, on the streets, and in the communities.

Lt. Col. Maria Theresa Macatangay, CCPO Deputy City Director for Operations, said they are now on full alert and coordinating with other units to preempt possible threats and maintain peace during the SONA period.

“As of this time, walay na-monitor nga any threat, but we have prepared ample numbers of human resources in case there are any attempts that could cause disruption,” Macatangay said.

She said the CCPO will deploy personnel to key convergence areas across Cebu City and monitor protest actions closely, reminding the public to respect laws while exercising their rights.

Among those laws is the prohibition on burning effigies, a long-standing form of protest during rallies.

This reiterates the directive of Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III, who earlier discouraged such acts, calling them a violation of environmental laws, including the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act (RA 9003) and Clean Air Act (RA 8749).

“Anything nga will result in any malicious mischief, acts of lasciviousness, or any violation of law, ato gyud nang i-implementar,” she stressed. “Aksyunan jud na sa kapulisan.”

While Cebu has had no record of violent protest actions during past SONAs, the police are leaving nothing to chance.

“No history in Cebu, pero nangandam lang pud mi,” Macatangay said.

Coinciding with SONA preparations, the CCPO also relaunched Oplan Pakigsandurot in Barangay Luz on Friday, a revitalized community engagement program aimed at building trust, cooperation, and stronger grassroots coordination for peace and order.

Through Oplan Pakigsandurot, police officers visit households to listen to concerns, distribute crime prevention materials, and conduct basic services like medical outreach and counseling sessions.

The initiative, Macatangay said, complements city-wide security efforts by fostering proactive collaboration between the police and residents.

“We are doing our part to build a safer Cebu, but we cannot do it alone. We need every resident to be involved in their communities,” she said.

City Councilor Paul Labra II, who chairs the committee on public order and safety, emphasized that police visibility must go hand-in-hand with community engagement.

“Peace and order are everyone’s responsibility. This program strengthens the foundation of community-based policing and drives home the message that public safety begins at home,” Labra said.

With Cebu City positioning itself as a key economic driver in the Visayas, Labra said keeping peace and stability in check is non-negotiable.

“We want investors to feel confident. We want Cebuanos to feel safe in their homes and on the streets. Initiatives like these ensure we are not only prepared for major events like SONA but are investing in long-term peace and resilience,” he added.(TGP)