The Presidential Security Group (PSG) is prepared to provide full security for President Duterte and help ensure the smooth and safe conduct of his State of the Nation Address (SONA) this Monday.
PSG chief Brig Gen. Jesus Durante III has assured the nation that they would not let their guards down in securing the President, his family, and the guests attending his public address.
The President is scheduled to physically deliver his sixth and final SONA at the Batasang Pambansa before a limited number of guests on July 26. Tight health and security measures have been implemented as precaution against the coronavirus outbreak.
"We will not let our guards down and we shall employ layers of security measures to neutralize any threat," Durante said in a statement released by the PSG Friday. "PSG is prepared for any contingency, thus, we will implement our highest security protocols in 360-degree, to secure our President and ensure the success of his SONA at all costs," he said.
Since early May, the PSG formed the Task Force for SONA 2021 led by Col. Nelson Aluad for the SONA security preparations. The security plans included site inspections and simulation exercises with elements of the military and the police.
The PSG said the "meticulous preparations" aim to ensure the President's safety and security and other SONA guests from all threats, including the coronavirus.
The pandemic has prompted authorities to impose some changes in this year's SONA, including requiring guests to undergo coronavirus testing.
Given the COVID-19 threat, the PSG said health security protocols will be strictly enforced. The number of attendees inside the plenary will be reduced.
Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar earlier said around 400 guests will be allowed to physically attend the SONA but are required to show negative swab test results prior entry to the venue.
Journalists from private media entities are also prohibited from covering the event inside the Batasang Pambansa. Only government media stations are allowed to film inside and will only share their live feed to other media companies.