Early Police Deployment for Marcos Fourth SONA Ensures Safety
MANILA, Philippines — Nearly 12,000 police officers will be mobilized to secure President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA). This early police deployment highlights the government’s commitment to maintaining peace and order during the highly anticipated event.
According to local law enforcement sources, a total of 11,949 officers are scheduled for deployment as part of the security preparations. Philippine National Police (PNP) Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo confirmed these figures during a briefing held at Camp Crame on Tuesday. The announcement came shortly after PNP Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III met with key officials from the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) to finalize arrangements.
Fajardo emphasized that the number of officers and their assigned locations might still change based on updated threat assessments as the SONA date approaches. “Our Chief PNP ordered our NCRPO particularly to conduct an honest-to-goodness threat assessment, if there is a need to adjust the security templates we’re already used to,” she explained.
Command Centers and Coordination
In preparation for the event, authorities will set up a command center at the Batasan Police Station. Additionally, a multi-agency coordinating center will operate from the Quezon City Police District headquarters in Camp Karingal to streamline communication and response efforts.
These measures aim to enhance situational awareness and ensure a swift reaction to any incidents during the SONA, scheduled for July 28. This address will open the first session of the 20th Congress.
Protest Management and Public Order
Regarding potential protest activities, the police are considering designated routes for demonstrators. The plan may allow groups to march along Commonwealth Avenue up to the Tandang Sora Avenue area. This approach balances the right to peaceful assembly with public safety concerns.
Fajardo also noted that police officials will coordinate closely with the House of Representatives’ sergeant-at-arms office to finalize security logistics for the president’s annual address.
With the early police deployment underway, authorities hope to ensure a secure and orderly SONA for all attendees and residents in the area.
For more news and updates on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fourth State of the Nation Address, visit Filipinokami.com.