House fine tunes security preparations for SONA

With only two days left, the House of Representatives is fine tuning its security preparations since the past two weeks for President Benigno S. Aquino III's fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday.

Ruben Escandor, the Officer-in-Charge for operation of Legislative Security Bureau, said they are working hand in hand with the regular blue guards and the Presidential Security Group (PSG) to assure the smooth flow of guests and members of 16th Congress who will attend the annual event.

"We cannot take any chances and all stones should not be left unturned to assure the safety of everybody," Escandor told reporters in a chance interview.

He said all people who will enter the Batasan complex need to pass strict search and security measures.

He said they are coordinating with the Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) in securing the flow of traffic.

Escandor said firearms are not allowed inside the building except for members of the PSG assigned as close in security of President Aquino.

"Congressmen and their bodyguards will not be allowed to carry firearms inside the complex," he stressed.

Senators, congressmen. mediamen, and other guests will pass designated x-ray machines and will be subjected to frisking.

Roving house securities backed by selected police and military personnel will be visible before and after the SONA.

Members of Congress are entitled to bring a maximum of two guests while only vehicles with official car passes will be allowed to enter the complex. (PNA)