Over 20,000 cops to secure SONA — NCRPO

MANILA, Philippines — More than 20,000 policemen will be deployed across Metro Manila for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), National Capital Region Police Office Spokesperson Major Hazel Asilo said. 

In an interview with DZBB on Sunday, July 19, Asilo said the police are “100%” prepared for the SONA, which will be held at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City. She added that 20,229 personnel will be deployed.

She added that the NCRPO is currently under heightened alert status, with all leaves and days off suspended for police personnel.

Several groups are expected to hold protests along Commonwealth Avenue during the president’s address.

However, no permits for the protests have been issued yet, according to Asilo.

“Sa huli po naming pagko coordinate sa Quezon City Police District (QCPD), nagkaroon initially ng pag-uusap sa mga grupo at meron po silang venue na gusto. 'Yun nga lamang po, ‘yun lamang po ang mismong LGU ang hindi pumayag, hindi po ang NCRPO,” Asilo said.

(During our latest coordination with the Quezon City Police District [QCPD], there were initial discussions with the groups, and they had a specific venue in mind. However, it was the LGU [Local Government Unit] itself that did not approve it, not the NCRPO.)

“Siyempre hindi lang po sila ang kailangan nating isaalang-alang, ganun din po ang ating mga motorista at mga commuters na posible pong maabala, kung sakaling doon po sila magsagawa ng pag-titipon,” she added. 

(Of course, they aren't the only ones we need to consider; we also have to think about the motorists and commuters who could be inconvenienced if they were to hold their gathering there.)

The upcoming SONA will be Marcos' fifth and penultimate State of the Nation Address since he assumed office in 2022. His term as president ends in 2028.