The Philippine National Police (PNP) has finalized its comprehensive security deployment plan for the fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on July 27, with more than 20,000 security personnel set to be deployed across Metro Manila.
Acting PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Allen Rae Co said the security force will include PNP personnel, augmentation from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and other partner agencies to ensure peace and order before, during, and after the President’s address.
“Ibig sabihin we are deploying more than 20,000 personnel for the SONA. This includes our augmentation from other agencies like the AFP, the Coast Guard, 'di ko lang mabanggit may iba tayong mga kasama dito. And of course kasama rin dito ang ating action teams,” Co said.
The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) also confirmed that four groups have already applied for rally permits in Quezon City ahead of the annual event.
According to NCRPO spokesperson Police Major Hazel Asilo, authorities are still finalizing operational plans for areas expected to host demonstrations, including the vicinity of the Batasang Pambansa, Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon Avenue, Katipunan Avenue, and the EDSA Shrine.
Asilo did not disclose the identities of the groups that applied for rally permits, noting that coordination and security preparations remain ongoing.
Despite the planned demonstrations, Co expressed confidence that the PNP is fully prepared to maintain peace and public safety throughout the SONA, assuring the public that security operations have been carefully coordinated with allied agencies.
