By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan | Philippine News Agency
The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday said almost 12,000 police officers will be deployed to provide security during the fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on July 28.
In a press briefing held at Camp Crame, PNP spokesperson PBGEN. Jean Fajardo said a total of 11,949 will be deployed within and around the vicinity of the House of Representatives at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City.
Fajardo said the PNP will hold a coordinating conference together with the House’s Office of Sergeant-at-Arms to iron out some of the security protocols.
“Sa utos ng ating chief PNP particularly doon sa ating NCRPO (National Capital Region Police Office) is to conduct an honest to goodness threat assessment. If there is a need to adjust ‘yong mga nakasanayan na nating security template at magbibigay sila ng updated threat estimates including ‘yong mga possible number ng mga magko-conduct ng activities particularly ‘yong mga rallies both pro and anti,” she said.
She added that personnel deployment also includes police officers from neighboring regions such as Central Luzon and CALABARZON to help secure the borders of Metro Manila during the SONA.
Adjustments in the deployment of personnel would likewise be made as the need arises.
During a Command Conference at Camp Crame to finalize security preparations for the SONA, PNP Chief PGEN. Nicolas Torre III underscored the importance of unity, vigilance, and proactive leadership in ensuring a peaceful and orderly conduct of the President’s annual address.
The conference was attended by NCRPO chief PMGEN. Anthony Aberin and district directors, as well as the heads of the national headquarters’ directorates for operations, investigation, intelligence, and police community relations.
The five districts of the NCRPO are the Manila Police District, Quezon City Police District, Northern Police District, Eastern Police District, and Southern Police District.
Torre said the PNP stands ready to uphold its mandate to protect the public and secure national events of great significance, such as the SONA.
Earlier, QCPD Acting Director PCOL. 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,” Silvio said.
