The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) is finalizing the deployment of 20,229 police officers across Metro Manila to safeguard President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 27.
During a radio broadcast, NCRPO spokesperson Police Major Hazel Asilo stated that a dedicated team of 300 officers will guard the Batasang Pambansa Complex, where the Chief Executive is set to give his annual report.
The remaining bulk of the force will be distributed throughout the capital region to execute crime-prevention operations under the agency’s overarching security blueprint for the day.
Asilo also noted that four organizations have already submitted rally permit requests to their respective local government units (LGUs) ahead of the address. Law enforcement officials are keeping tabs on the progress of these applications.
She underscored that the approval or denial of demonstration permits rests entirely with individual LGUs. This clarification follows assertions from the activist coalition Bagong Alyansang Makabayan that its members were blocked from assembling at St. Peter Parish along Quezon City.
Currently, authorities have not designated specific official protest zones for the groups intending to demonstrate during the President’s speech.
Furthermore, the NCRPO has yet to determine if the capital region will elevate to a full alert status, as threat assessments remain fluid.
Asilo concluded that emergency response protocols have been established to handle any unexpected crises or natural calamities that could strike during the national event.