Malacañang Park, Manila — The Presidential Security Group (PSG) is ready for the sixth and last State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, which he will deliver on Monday, July 26 at the Batasang Pambansa.
The PSG activated its Task Force (TF) SONA 2021, headed by PSG Chief of Staff Col. Nelson Aluad, as early as May this year for early planning and preparation with regard to security. With less than a week to go, a series of security and inter-agency meetings, including ocular and site inspections, have been conducted in close coordination with involved government and security agencies, counterparts, and stakeholders.
A simulation exercise (SIMEX) with the augmentation elements from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police (PNP) was held on July 9 to evaluate the overall readiness of all the involved agencies that will secure the momentous event. Another SIMEX is expected today at the venue.
These meticulous preparations are set to ensure the safety and security of the President and all of the attendees from all forms of threats, including the COVID-19 virus.
In a prior interview, PSG Group Commander Brig. Gen. Jesus Durante III said, “We will not let our guard down and we shall employ layers of security measures to neutralize any threat. PSG is prepared for any contingency. Thus we will implement our highest security protocols in 360-degrees, to secure our President and ensure the success of his SONA at all costs.”
Given the COVID-19 situation, health security protocols will be strictly enforced while minimizing the number of attendees inside the plenary. Video teleconferencing, online, and live streaming platforms will also be optimized for the media coverage and cater to guests and attendees who will not be physically present.
The TF SONA 2021 will intensify its protective security operations in the coming days and will continue to conduct routine and random inspections at the venue. With this, the PSG, together with its security counterparts, is ready to secure the President, the First Family, other VIPs, and guests. (PSG) – jlo
