The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) has completed its final security preparations for President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s 4th State of the Nation Address (SONA), which will take place on July 28.
A final inter-agency coordination meeting was held on July 18 at the QCPD Hinirang Social Hall, led by the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Director, Major General. Gen. Anthony Aberin.
Representatives from various government agencies and law enforcement units also attended the meeting.
The meeting focused on finalizing security plans, deploying personnel, emergency response procedures, and coordinating between agencies to ensure public safety before, during, and after the event.
Following the meeting, authorities conducted simulation and tabletop exercises to assess their readiness and enhance coordination in the event of an emergency.
QCPD Director Col. Randy Glenn Silvio stated that the drills helped clarify roles and strengthen cooperation among the participating agencies.
“Through these simulations and tabletop exercises, we are not just preparing for an event; we are strengthening systems, clarifying responsibilities, and ensuring that we act as one coordinated force in safeguarding not just the president and the nation’s leaders but the very integrity of our democratic institutions,” he said.
Aberin reminded security forces to maintain peace and order while upholding civil liberties.
He also ordered stricter checkpoint operations with the help of the Highway Patrol Group (HPG), Land Transportation Office (LTO), and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
Ret. Maj. Gen. Napoleon Taas, House Sergeant-at-Arms, stressed the importance of unity, saying that securing the SONA is a shared responsibility among all government agencies.
Meanwhile, Department of Public Order and Safety (DPOS) chief Ret. Brig. Gen. Elmo San Diego reminded law enforcement officials to remain calm and respectful when managing protests, emphasizing the need to strike a balance between maintaining public safety and protecting the right to peaceful assembly.
The QCPD assured the public that it is fully prepared to ensure peace and order on SONA day through organized and coordinated efforts.