MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has not monitored any security threats ahead of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s 5th State of the Nation Address (SONA) today, Monday.
Despite this, Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., PNP chief, said the PNP remained on alert and maintained a proactive security posture to ensure the peaceful and orderly conduct of the annual event.
“A sufficient number of our personnel and resources are already on the ground along with our partners from other government agencies. We all have the same goal of ensuring a peaceful and orderly SONA, and we all have the same commitment to deliver,” said Nartatez.
More than 20,000 police officers have been deployed across Metro Manila to secure key installations, major thoroughfares and areas where activities related to the SONA will be held. The PNP has also placed all security measures in place as part of its comprehensive security plan for the event.
Nartatez said police personnel have also been directed to closely monitor suspicious individuals and activities that may disrupt the event. Intelligence monitoring and police visibility operations have likewise been intensified in areas considered critical to public safety.
Police commanders on the ground were tasked to implement the security measures but were instructed to make necessary and real-time adjustments depending on the prevailing situation.
The PNP is also preparing for the expected demonstrations that traditionally coincide with the President's annual address.
Policemen have been instructed to exercise maximum tolerance and strictly observe established operational procedures while ensuring that rallies remained peaceful and orderly. Personnel will also assist in traffic management, particularly along Commonwealth Avenue and in the vicinity of the Batasang Pambansa, to minimize inconvenience to motorists and the commuting public.
Nartatez appealed to the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities by immediately reporting any suspicious persons or activities that may pose a threat to public safety.
