Military to raise red alert ahead of SONA

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will be on red alert in Metro Manila on Sunday, a day before President Arroyo delivers her 9th State of the National Address. Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner, AFP spokesman, said military units in Metro Manila will be placed on red alert status at 5 p.m. on Sunday. "We are going on red alert tomorrow at 1700 hour (5 p.m.). At present, we are still on blue alert. This is in preparation for the SONA to ensure we are prepared," Brawner said. "If we are on red alert, the troops are intact, their attendance is 100 percent inside camp." Brawner said 7 companies of Civil Disturbance Management soldiers will be deployed for the SONA. He said the Army, Navy and Air Force are contributing two companies each and one company will be deployed from Camp Aguinaldo, the military's general headquarters. The Philippine National Police had announced that its units in Metro Manila will be placed under the highest alert on Monday morning. At least 10,000 policemen will be deployed around the metro to secure the Batasan Pambansa Complex and other protest venues. Meanwhile, top military officials on Saturday led the mustering of troops in full battle gear inside the AFP general headquarters. Brawner said the military has not monitored any plans to disrupt Mrs. Arroyo's last SONA.. "We have not monitored any violent activities being planned. What we are monitoring are rallies only," said Brawner. Brawner, who attended the police's meeting with protest organizers, said activist groups assured them of peaceful demonstrations on Monday.