Manila: Around 20,000 policemen will be deployed to ensure peace and order during the fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at the Batasang Pambansa complex in Quezon City on July 27, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said.

According to Philippines News Agency, NCRPO spokesperson Maj. Hazel Asilo informed reporters that the deployment will include personnel borrowed from other regions. These officers will perform duties related to anti-criminality and other operations. Currently, NCRPO is formulating security measures for the SONA and identifying potential areas where protests might occur.

Maj. Asilo stated that Civil Disturbance Management (CDM) personnel will be stationed in areas where rallies might take place. The deployment will not be limited to the vicinity of the Batasang Pambansa complex but will cover the entire Metro Manila. This includes deploying officers in barangays to conduct anti-criminal operations.

At this point, NCRPO has not identified any groups planning to secure permits for rallies during the President's fifth SONA. Asilo mentioned that there have been no monitored threats related to the event so far.

The President delivers the SONA annually, typically on the last Monday of July, to report on the country's state, outline the administration's agenda, and request Congress to pass priority measures.