More than 20,000 police personnel will secure President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address on July 27, the Philippine National Police said Sunday.
The National Capital Region Police Office and supporting units entered the final stage of preparations for the event at the Batasang Pambansa Complex.
Police commanders were instructed to inspect deployment plans, communication systems and contingency measures before the annual address.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Coast Guard will also support security operations around the venue and nearby areas.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez said units were completing coordination meetings, rehearsals and final deployment checks to keep the event peaceful and orderly.
Authorities expected thousands of government officials, diplomats, guests and media workers to attend, while several groups were likely to hold protest actions.
Nartatez directed officers to exercise maximum restraint, remain professional and respect the public’s right to conduct lawful assemblies.
The House of Representatives also said it is fully prepared for the Sona, which will adopt a simpler setup without a red carpet and with a more modest dress code.