Manila: The Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOrPPO) will deploy Civil Disturbance Management (CDM) teams and special reserve police officers to maintain peace and order across the province as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers his State-of-the-Nation Address on July 27.

According to Philippines News Agency, NorPPO spokesperson Capt. Stephen Jaynard Polinar revealed that police forces are closely monitoring groups expected to hold rallies, motorcades, and protest marches in Dumaguete City. "We have already identified groups that may conduct rallies and possible venues such as the Freedom Park and the Pantawan People's Park here," Polinar stated.

CDM units and reserve personnel will be deployed a day before the SONA, contingent upon the regional director of the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region declaring a red alert status. The Provincial Mobile Force Companies (PMFCs) are set to field two CDM teams, each comprising about 20 police officers, in addition to personnel from the Reactionary Standby Support Force (RSSF), providing supplementary security.

Despite these security measures, Polinar expressed confidence that any assemblies would remain peaceful, highlighting past demonstrations in the province that concluded without incident as participants dispersed voluntarily. Police efforts during the SONA will primarily concentrate on Dumaguete City, although PMFC units stationed in the central and northern parts of Negros Oriental will be on standby for immediate deployment if necessary.

Polinar also issued a reminder to organizers about the legal requirement for groups planning to hold protests in public spaces, such as Freedom Park, to secure the necessary permit from the local government unit.