10,000 Quezon City cops to augment SONA security

MANILA, Philippines — Quezon City is all set to host President Marcos’ fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) today at the Batasang Pambansa complex, the local government said.

More than 10,000 officers of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) will be deployed to implement safety and security protocols across the city, along with 2,300 personnel from the city’s law and order cluster.

“We assure the public that the city government is on top of the President’s SONA. The city’s law and order cluster are coordinating with the Philippine National Police to ensure the safety of our residents and visitors during the event,” Mayor Joy Belmonte said.

The city government will implement a liquor ban from 12:01 a.m. to 6 p.m., according to an executive order signed by Belmonte.

She said acts of intoxication could negatively impact the peace and order of the community and the general public.

Belmonte ordered the QCPD and local government offices to enforce the policy.

The city’s Traffic and Transport Management Department will also deploy additional personnel to help manage traffic flow around Batasang Pambansa.

Medical personnel as well as search and rescue teams will be on standby in case of emergencies.

A multiagency coordinating center has been established at the QCPD’s social hall, serving as the central hub for real-time monitoring and coordination among agencies.

QCPD director Col. Randy Glenn Silvio said checkpoints and border control points would be established to regulate the movement of people and vehicles entering designated security zones.

Authorities urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to emergency hotline 911 or the QC Helpline 122.

Meanwhile, the Eastern Police District is on full alert for the President’s annual address, EPD director Brig. Gen. Aden Lagradan­te said.

He said 754 police personnel would augment security measures in Quezon City. — Rainier Allan Ronda, Mark Ernest Villeza