Police in Metro Manila were placed on full alert ahead of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 27, as multiple groups prepares to stage protests and authorities deployed more than 21,000 security personnel to secure the Batasang Pambansa Complex.
Philippine National Police (PNP) public information chief Col. Allen Rae Co said Thursday that groups including Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, Sanlakas, and Better Brighter are set to hold rallies during the annual address.
The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said a total of 21,642 personnel have been mobilized as part of a comprehensive security plan for the event, with deployment formally launched on July 24 at Camp PMGEN Tomas B. Karingal in Quezon City.
NCRPO chief PMGEN Anthony Aberin, who also serves as commander of the Special Task Force SONA 2026, led the send-off ceremony alongside PMGEN Wilson Joseph Lopez, officer-in-charge of the Office of the Deputy Chief PNP for Operations.
The security force includes personnel from NCRPO and augmentation units from the PNP national headquarters, Special Action Force, and several regional police offices.
Aberin said police commanders have conducted on-site inspections of key areas around the Batasan complex, including Commonwealth Avenue, IBP Road, and nearby government facilities, to assess deployment zones, response routes, and coordination protocols.
“We maintain firm, unwavering control to ensure a safe, orderly, and peaceful SONA 2026," Aberin said.
Authorities said units have been instructed to strictly follow police operational procedures, exercise maximum tolerance, and maintain professionalism in dealing with demonstrators.
Despite the expected protests, Co warned that certain acts, such as the burning of effigies, will not be allowed.
“Kung may magsusunog, it is not allowed. Not only yung mga effigy [but] anything na magsusunog ka is not allowed,” Co said.
“We will exhaust all peaceful means para mapigilan ang mga illegal na gawain. But kung hindi matitigil, we will have to act more decisively.”
Police also urged the public to cooperate with authorities, follow traffic advisories, and report any suspicious activities through the 911 emergency hotline.
The annual SONA, held at the House of Representatives in Quezon City, is expected to draw large crowds, including protesters, supporters, and government officials, prompting heightened security measures across the capital.
