Quezon city: Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. announced that the police force has finalized its contingency, action, and operational plans in preparation for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) scheduled for July 27. The PNP is actively collaborating with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, local government units, and other law enforcement agencies to mitigate potential threats and ensure the safety of the event's venue, participants, and surrounding communities.
According to Philippines News Agency, Nartatez emphasized the coordinated efforts with various stakeholders, including the Armed Forces and local government units, to provide necessary response equipment and adapt to changing threat dynamics. "Our community will be participating in the SONA, whether there is a protest or not, and this goes out to all the protesters, whether they are pro or anti-government - so that will be continuous," he stated during a press briefing at Camp Crame.
In addition to physical security measures, the PNP has heightened its cyber security operations in response to potential cyberattacks, misinformation, and digital scams. Nartatez has instructed the Anti-Cybercrime Group to amplify cyber patrols to detect and counter misinformation, coordinated influence operations, phishing attacks, and online scams during the event. This move aligns with the President's directive, supported by Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, to safeguard the public from both physical and cyber threats during significant national events.
The PNP has issued a Cybersecurity Advisory for SONA 2026, focusing on protecting Critical Information Infrastructure, countering misinformation and influence operations, and preventing online scams. The advisory aims to protect government digital systems and preserve information integrity before, during, and after the President's address at the Batasang Pambansa on July 27.
Meanwhile, the PNP will also coordinate with the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) on its 112th founding anniversary event, which coincides with President Marcos' SONA. "We need to secure that gathering," Nartatez mentioned, acknowledging the potential for a large turnout. Both the INC's central office and a common rally site for the SONA are situated along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City.
Nartatez further highlighted that security plans are already in place for key locations, including the Batasang Pambansa, Malaca±ang, Liwasang Bonifacio, the United States Embassy in Manila, the Senate in Pasay City, and the People Power Monument in Quezon City.
