MORE than 20,000 police officers have been deployed across Metro Manila as the government stepped up security ahead of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 27.
Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said authorities have finalized security measures and are prepared to respond to any contingency during the president’s address.
“We have 20,000 police now deployed, and we are ready for any contingencies,” Remulla said in an interview.
He said command conferences and coordination meetings among government agencies are continuing to ensure that operational plans are synchronized before the SONA.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government said the heightened security measures are intended to maintain peace and order, and ensure public safety amid plans by various groups to hold demonstrations in Metro Manila during the president’s speech.
The National Capital Region Police Office earlier announced that it will be placed on full alert starting 5 p.m. this Friday.
Security was also beefed up in traditional rally areas, including the Batasang Pambansa, the People Power Monument in Quezon City, Malacañang, Liwasang Bonifacio, the Senate in Pasay City and the United States Embassy.
