The Presidential Security Groups (PSG) has started to prepare for President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s first State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 25, beginning with an inter-agency meeting to ensure the smooth flow of the event.
In a Facebook post, the PSG said it had called for an inter-agency meeting on July 11 to discuss security measures for the upcoming SONA.
"This is in line with the guidance of PSG Group Commander, Col. Ramon Zagala, to ensure the safety and security of the President, to include all the attendees and the whole event itself," it said.
The meeting was led by PSG Task Force SONA 2022 Commander Col. Nelson Aluad with the core group.
Representatives from the following government and security agencies attended the meeting:
- Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)
- Philippine National Police (PNP)
- Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)
- Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)
- Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA)
- Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP)
- Department of Health (DOH)
- National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA)
According to the PSG, they will soon conduct a series of oculars and walk-throughs until the day of the SONA.
Last week, President Marcos lauded the PSG and highlighted how the nation's stability relies on the success of its mission of safeguarding the presidency.
He said the mission of the PSG goes beyond protecting the First Family and foreign dignitaries who come to visit the country as they are out to protect an institution on which the lives of the Filipinos depend.
"What you are guarding is not only the personages of the First Family, but you are guarding keeping safe an institution-- the institution of the presidency. Because should you fail in your mission, that institution will collapse, and the effects on our country will be dire," he said.
"With integrity and valor, let us remain united in safeguarding our institutions as (we strive) to bring about a more secure, peaceful, and dignified life for the Filipino people," he added.