Duterte's first SONA very peaceful -- AFP

MANILA -- President Rodrigo Roa Duterte's first ever State of the Nation Address (SONA) was very peaceful, AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said Monday. Very peaceful...there was no serious threat monitored and the cooperation of 'supportive' rallyists was a big factor in the successful outcome of the SONA security coverage, he added.He attributes this to the early dialogue done with progressive groups and cooperation between security forces and security forces. If every occasion for SONA can be done this way where cooperation and dialogue becomes the norm, then violent confrontations and dispersals will become a thing of the past, he added.AFP Joint Task Group-National Capital Region acting commander Col. Vic Tomas earlier said the same security precautions will be taken for this year's SONA.However, the only difference is that coordination has been done early with militant groups regarding a designated area where they can conduct their protest actions. (PNA)