QC gov't to deploy over 7,000 personnel for PBBM's SONA
Published Jul 23, 2023 06:05 am
The Quezon City government will deploy more than 7,000 traffic, security, and emergency response personnel to ensure peace and order during President Marcos' second State of the Nation Address (SONA) to be held at the Batasang Pambansa Complex on Monday, July 24.
“The Quezon City government is ready to assist during the President’s second State of the Nation Address. Our goal is to ensure a peaceful and orderly event for everyone,” Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte said.
Among the personnel to be deployed on Monday are 800 QC Transport and Traffic Management Department (TTMD) traffic enforcers that will help in managing the traffic in the city’s major thoroughfares; 6,123 uniformed officers from the Quezon City Police District; and 375 QC Department of Public Order and Safety (DPOS) personnel that will maintain security and public order during the event.
The QC Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department (DRRM) will also deploy 287 personnel from its Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Search and Rescue (SAR) teams, and other additional resources to ensure the safety of the public and respond to any untoward incident, the city government said.
There will also be QCity Buses, service vehicles from 142 barangays, and three buses from the QC General Services Department that will be deployed should there be a need for additional transportation options for commuters to be affected.
The city government has permitted both pro and anti-administration rallies in the city on the day of the SONA.
It reminded all groups to follow laws and regulations and not to disrupt peace and order in the affected areas.
The local government said it has set an area along Commonwealth Avenue near the Commission on Audit for the pro-administration groups.
Anti-administration groups are set to assemble along Tandang Sora overpass along Commonwealth Avenue.
“QC is a bastion of free speech, and we value the right of everyone to peacefully assemble as protected by our Constitution,” Belmonte said.
The local government also reminded those who will join the rallies to bring raincoats and umbrellas as light to moderate rainfall is expected due to Typhoon Egay on Monday.
It also advised motorist to look alternative routes as the eastbound lane of the Commonwealth Avenue will be closed starting Sunday, July 23, until Monday, July 24.