The Philippine National Police (PNP) announced on Tuesday that almost 12,000 police officers will be deployed to ensure security during the fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on July 28.
In a press briefing at Camp Crame, PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo stated that a total of 11,949 officers will be stationed within and around the vicinity of the House of Representatives (HoR) at the Batasan Pambansa in Quezon City.
Fajardo mentioned that the PNP will hold a coordinating conference with the HoR’s Office of Sergeant-at-Arms to finalize security protocols.
“Sa utos ng ating chief PNP particularly doon sa ating NCRPO is to conduct an honest to goodness threat assessment. If there is a need to adjust yung mga nakasayan na nating security template at magbibigay sila ng updated threat estimates including yung mga possible number ng mga magko-conduct ng activities particularly yung mga rallies both pro and anti (Upon the order of our PNP chief, the National Capital Region Police Office will conduct an honest threat assessment to determine if there is a need to adjust our established security templates. They will provide updated threat estimates, including the possible number of those who will conduct activities, particularly rallies from both sides),” she explained.
The deployment will also include police officers from neighboring regions such as Central Luzon and Calabarzon to help secure the borders of Metro Manila during the SONA. Adjustments in personnel deployment will be made as necessary.
PNP chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III led a command conference at Camp Crame at 4 a.m. on Tuesday to finalize security preparations for the President’s fourth SONA. During the conference, he emphasized the importance of unity, vigilance, and proactive leadership in ensuring a peaceful and orderly conduct of the President’s annual address.
NCRPO chief Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin and five district directors attended the conference, along with heads of the national headquarters’ directorates for operations, investigation, intelligence, and police community relations. The five districts of the NCRPO include the Manila Police District, Quezon City Police District, Northern Police District, Eastern Police District, and Southern Police District.
Torre affirmed that the PNP is prepared to uphold its mandate to protect the public and secure national events of great significance, such as the SONA.
Earlier, QCPD Acting Director Col. Randy Glen Silvio acknowledged the efficiency and professionalism of the participating government agencies.
“Sa harap ng inaasahang mga kilos-protesta, pagtitipon, at iba pang aktibidad kaugnay ng SONA 2025, mahalaga ang ating papel sa pagtitiyak na mananatili ang kapayapaan at kaayusan. Hindi natin kinakalaban ang karapatang magpahayag bagkus ay sinisiguro natin na ito’y maisasakatuparan sa paraang ligtas, maayos at may paggalang sa batas (With the expected protests, gatherings, and other activities related to SONA 2025, our role is important in ensuring that peace and order remain. We are not suppressing their right to expression but ensuring that it is carried out in a safe, orderly, and law-abiding manner),” Silvio stated.
The President delivers the SONA every year, typically on the last Monday of July, to report on the state of the country, unveil the administration’s agenda, and request Congress to pass priority measures.