15,000 cops, soldiers to secure Marcos SONA

MANILA, Philippines — To ensure that the first State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Marcos will be peaceful, at least 15,000 state security forces and force multipliers will be deployed to secure the event on July 25, the Philippine National Police (PNP) announced yesterday.

PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said the initial deployment plan was among the matters presented by National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director Maj. Gen. Felipe Natividad to Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr.

“They will be fielding around 15,000 composite teams from the PNP and other security forces,” Fajardo told reporters.

The security contingent also includes personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Coast Guard and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.

According to Fajardo, NCRPO officials have been meeting with representatives from cause-oriented groups to ensure that protests to be be held during the SONA would be orderly.

She said militant groups may hold rallies at the Quezon City Memorial Circle, which is a designated freedom park.

It is unclear if the protesters will be allowed to use Commonwealth Avenue as a venue for protest actions just like in previous SONAs.

PSG ready

The Presidential Security Group (PSG) is coordinating security preparations with various agencies for Marcos’ SONA.

In a Facebook post, the PSG said it conducted an inter-agency meeting on July 11 to discuss the security measures for the SONA, which will be held face-to-face at the Batasang Pambansa Complex.

“Series of oculars, walk-throughs and inter-agency coordinations will be conducted until the day of the SONA,” the PSG said.

PSG commander Col. Ramon Zagala vowed to ensure the safety of Marcos and SONA participants.

The meeting was led by PSG Task Force SONA 2022 commander Col. Nelson Aluad.

Personnel from the Radio Television Malacañang, the unit that documents the activities of the President, conducted ocular inspections at the House of Representatives yesterday as part of the SONA preparations.

House seminar canceled

Meanwhile, the third and final leg of the Executive Course Legislation for members of the 19th Congress was canceled yesterday amid a report that a participant tested positive for COVID-19.

The House leadership did not give an official reason for the cancellation of the seminar.

As a precautionary measure, all people entering the Batasan premises are required to undergo antigen testing for COVID-19. – Alexis Romero, Sheila Crisostomo