THE Philippine National Police (PNP) has ordered all concerned units to complete their security preparations for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA).
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. directed all National Capital Region Police Office units and support forces to finalize deployment plans and contingency measures for the SONA at the Batasang Pambansa Complex on July 27.
The PNP earlier announced it would initially field more than 20,000 personnel for the event, with reinforcements coming from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
“I remind every police officer to exercise maximum restraint. Remain professional at all times. Respect the constitutional rights of every Filipino. Our duty is to maintain peace and public safety while ensuring that lawful assemblies can proceed peacefully,” Nartatez said on Sunday.
The PNP expects thousands of participants, including government officials, invited guests, members of the diplomatic corps, media organizations, and various cause-oriented groups that traditionally hold demonstrations during the president’s annual address.
