Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Monday defended the deployment of more than 21,000 police personnel across Metro Manila for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), stressing that there is "no such thing as overkill" when it comes to ensuring public safety.
Hours before the president's address at the Batasang Pambansa, Nartatez personally inspected security operations in key areas surrounding the SONA venue, beginning with the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) Command Center along IBP Road. The inspection focused on police readiness, situational monitoring, and response capabilities in anticipation of large crowds, protest actions, and increased traffic.
The PNP chief also visited the EDSA People Power Monument to assess the deployment of Eastern Police District personnel before proceeding to Camp Karingal for further monitoring.
Although authorities said they have not monitored any specific security threat against the event, Nartatez identified two primary concerns: managing heavy traffic and preventing individuals with malicious intent from blending in with rallyists gathered near the SONA venue.
Nartatez also responded to criticism from the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN), which described the full-alert status and the deployment of more than 21,000 police officers in Metro Manila as excessive.
"There's no such thing as overkill in ensuring peace and order and public safety. The more you bring in security forces, siguro mas secure diba," Nartatez said.
Rejecting the claim, the PNP chief emphasized that the deployment represents only a small portion of the organization's nationwide strength of approximately 230,000 personnel.
"Kukunti pa nga lang. We are 230,000 nationwide. We can utilize all these resources to ensure public safety as well as peace and order," Nartatez added.
As of Monday morning, police reported no major untoward incidents related to the SONA, aside from minor tension between rallyists and law enforcement personnel on the ground.
Meanwhile, the PNP said it continues to intensify its cyber monitoring and cyber patrolling operations through the Anti-Cybercrime Group to detect and prevent online activities that could incite violence, spread misinformation, or encourage public disorder during the SONA.
Authorities assured the public that both physical and digital security measures remain in place to ensure the safe and orderly conduct of one of the country's most significant annual political events.
