More than 21,000 police personnel will be deployed to secure President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 27, as the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) begins heightened security preparations in Metro Manila.
NCRPO chief Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin said 21,261 police officers will be assigned to various security operations, backed by 3,000 standby personnel from Police Regional Offices 2, 4B, and 5.
The deployment will cover the House of Representatives and Batasang Pambansa Complex, major roads, transport terminals, border control points, rally areas, government facilities, and other critical locations across Metro Manila.
The NCRPO will be placed on full alert starting 5 p.m. on July 24. Security measures include the implementation of a no-fly, no-drone zone in designated areas and the nationwide suspension of Permits to Carry Firearms Outside Residence on SONA day.
A total of 11,196 personnel will be assigned under Civil Disturbance Management (CDM) units to manage public assemblies and protests expected during the event.
“All deployed personnel have undergone rigorous operational briefings explicitly emphasizing maximum tolerance, absolute respect for human rights, and the inviolable constitutional right of citizens to peaceful assembly and free expression,” Aberin said.
He added that police operations will follow the rule of law and existing operational procedures while balancing public safety and the right to peaceful expression.
Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) urged rally organizers to coordinate with authorities and secure the necessary permits for their activities during the SONA.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the police force will respect and protect the public’s right to peaceful assembly while ensuring that security measures are followed.
“Every individual and every group has the right to express opinion and air grievances and we assure each and every one of them that the PNP will respect and even protect that right,” Nartatez said.
He also reminded protesters to respect police personnel assigned to maintain peace and order.
“Maximum tolerance will be strictly observed by our personnel amid these activities,” he said.
Aside from the SONA, the PNP will also assist in securing the 112th founding anniversary celebration of the Iglesia ni Cristo, which will take place on the same day.
The NCRPO said temporary road closures and traffic rerouting will be implemented around the Batasang Pambansa Complex and key routes.
Motorists traveling northbound from Quezon Memorial Circle to Fairview may use North Avenue, Mindanao Avenue, Sauyo Road, or Quirino Highway before returning to Commonwealth Avenue.
Those traveling southbound from Fairview to Quezon Memorial Circle may take Commonwealth Avenue, Sauyo Road, or Quirino Highway, then proceed through Mindanao Avenue and North Avenue.
The NCRPO and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority will release updated traffic advisories to guide motorists.
Aberin assured the public that security preparations are already in place for a safe and orderly SONA.
“The NCRPO is fully prepared to secure this year’s State of the Nation Address,” he said.
Photo courtesy of DBM
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