Manila: Hours before the fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the Philippine National Police (PNP) has not monitored any security threat, but remains vigilant against any attempt to disrupt peace and order during the event. Despite this, PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said the PNP remains on alert and is maintaining a proactive security posture to ensure the peaceful and orderly conduct of the annual event.
According to Philippines News Agency, a sufficient number of PNP personnel and resources are already on the ground along with partners from other government agencies. Nartatez emphasized their shared goal of ensuring a peaceful and orderly SONA. He reiterated their commitment to deliver on this promise, as the event at the Batasan Pambansa is often met with protest actions.
Nartatez highlighted the capability of their 230,000-strong nationwide force to ensure public safety and peace. He dismissed claims by Bagong Alyansang Makabayan president Renato Reyes that the police presence causes disturbance and inconvenience to the public, stating that the deployment is necessary for peace and order. "The more you bring in security forces, the more it would be secured," he asserted.
At least four groups were granted permits to hold rallies, prompting the PNP to urge organizers to implement safety measures against provocateurs. On Monday morning, Nartatez conducted a troop visit and inspection in secured areas and showcased the command center for monitoring ground security.
Coordination with several agencies, especially for traffic management along Commonwealth Avenue and other protest-prone areas, is part of the security strategy. PNP forces in Metro Manila have been on full alert since Thursday night, tasked to monitor suspicious activities that may disrupt the event.
Intelligence monitoring and police visibility have been intensified in critical areas to public safety. Police commanders are instructed to implement security measures with real-time adjustments as situations evolve.
More than 21,000 police officers have been deployed across Metro Manila to secure key installations, major thoroughfares, and SONA-related areas. The PNP chief has directed personnel to closely monitor suspicious individuals and activities that may threaten the event.
Police officers are instructed to exercise maximum tolerance and follow operational procedures to maintain peaceful rallies. They will also assist in traffic management, especially along Commonwealth Avenue, to minimize inconvenience to motorists and the commuting public.
Nartatez appealed to the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities by reporting any suspicious persons or activities. Meanwhile, he has ordered an investigation into an improvised bomb explosion near the Department of Justice and an explosive device retrieval in Pasay City.
"The police and other law enforcement units are investigating to determine who did this and what the motive is. There is a big possibility or probability that the two incidents are related," he told reporters during the inspection of security forces for the SONA. The current threat level in Metro Manila is 1, with the EOD conducting investigations. The retrieved IED lacked charge and shrapnel, suggesting it was intended to create panic. Reinforcements have been drawn from various regions to support NCRPO's efforts.
