Manila: The Police Regional Office 5 (PRO-5) has prepared 1,000 personnel from its Crowd Management Advanced Reactionary Force Engagement (C.A.R.E.) unit as standby support for security operations during President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 27. These officers are ready for immediate deployment to Metro Manila, specifically the City of Manila, where the SONA will take place, if additional support from regional units is needed to ensure smooth and secure implementation of security measures.
According to Philippines News Agency, PRO-5 spokesperson Lt. Col. Malu Calubaquib stated that the personnel are on standby, awaiting instructions from their central office. "We are prepared to deploy the 1,000 police personnel. We are just waiting for instructions from our central office if additional support is needed," she said.
Calubaquib also mentioned that other C.A.R.E. personnel remain on heightened alert to maintain peace and order throughout the Bicol Region. "They are assigned to provide security and immediate response to any incident related to the expected gatherings and activities in the Bicol Region," she added.
The contingents are part of the Bicol Shield Initiative, which aims to strengthen the police force's preparedness, capabilities, and rapid response for major events, not only within the region but also in neighboring areas that may need reinforcement. "Through coordinated operations and continuous readiness of the police force, PRO-5 remains committed to ensuring security, order, and public safety at all times," Calubaquib said.
PRO-5 has assured residents of the Bicol Region that comprehensive security measures are in place to ensure the peaceful conduct of the President's SONA while maintaining uninterrupted police services and public safety throughout the region. The public is urged to remain vigilant, cooperate with law enforcement authorities, and immediately report any suspicious persons, activities, or incidents to the nearest police station or through the police emergency hotlines.
