Quezon city: The Philippine National Police announced on Tuesday that nearly 12,000 police officers will be stationed to secure the fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., which is scheduled for July 28. This significant deployment will ensure safety in and around the House of Representatives at the Batasan Pambansa in Quezon City.
According to Philippines News Agency, PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo detailed in a press briefing at Camp Crame that 11,949 officers will be deployed to manage security during the event. A coordinating conference with the House of Representatives' Office of Sergeant-at-Arms is planned to finalize security protocols.
Fajardo emphasized the importance of an "honest to goodness threat assessment" as ordered by the PNP chief. The National Capital Region Police Office will assess potential threats and make necessary adjustments to the security plan. This includes estimating the number of participants in activities and rallies, both supporting and opposing the event.
The deployment plan also involves police officers from neighboring regions, such as Central Luzon and Calabarzon, to help secure the borders of Metro Manila during the SONA. Adjustments in personnel deployment will be made as required.
PNP chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III conducted a command conference at Camp Crame early Tuesday morning to finalize preparations, highlighting the need for unity, vigilance, and proactive leadership to ensure a peaceful and orderly event. The conference was attended by NCRPO chief Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin, five district directors, and heads of national directorates for operations, investigation, intelligence, and police community relations.
Gen. Torre reiterated the PNP's readiness to fulfill its duty of protecting the public and securing significant national events like the SONA. QCPD Acting Director Col. Randy Glen Silvio praised the collaboration among government agencies and stressed the importance of maintaining peace and order during expected protests and activities related to the SONA.
The SONA is an annual address delivered by the President, usually on the last Monday of July, to report on the nation's state, outline the administration's agenda, and urge Congress to enact priority measures.
