Manila: The Police Regional Office-Central Luzon (PRO-3) is set to deploy 1,500 police personnel to Metro Manila to bolster security operations for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday. This strategic move aims to enhance the existing security measures and ensure a peaceful and orderly event.
According to Philippines News Agency, police reinforcements will be drawn from the Regional Mobile Force Battalion-3 and various units from Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, and Tarlac. These personnel will be dispatched on Sunday evening to the National Capital Region as part of the overall security plan orchestrated by the Philippine National Police (PNP). Additionally, PRO-3 has placed 600 backup officers from regional headquarters and provincial offices on standby, ready for immediate deployment if the situation demands.
PRO-3 has assured the public that, despite the deployment to Metro Manila, police operations across Central Luzon will remain uninterrupted to maintain peace and order in the region. Brig. Gen. Jess Mendez, PRO-3 Director, emphasized the importance of professionalism and respect for constitutional and human rights during this operation. "Our personnel have been reminded to exercise maximum tolerance, respect the constitutional and human rights of individuals participating in lawful assemblies, and perform their duties with professionalism, discipline, and restraint," Mendez stated.
The PNP has placed all units nationwide on full alert status from 5 p.m. on July 24 until midnight on July 27 as part of measures to ensure maximum security for President Marcos' penultimate SONA. PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. confirmed that security preparations have entered the final phase, with all personnel and assets ready for deployment. "We've done this before, we prepared for this important event -- and we are ready," Nartatez noted in a news release.
The final phase of preparations included inspecting the Batasang Pambansa Complex and designated protest sites. Over 21,000 police officers will be tasked with securing Metro Manila and managing traffic along Commonwealth Avenue. Nartatez reiterated the importance of maximum tolerance for police commanders and personnel while performing their duties. He also appealed to rally participants to cooperate with authorities and adhere to existing regulations to ensure a peaceful event.
"The PNP has not monitored any serious security threat related to the SONA. However, we remain vigilant against any attempt to disrupt peace and order during the event," Nartatez affirmed, underscoring the PNP's commitment to maintaining security and order throughout the proceedings.
