PNP: Security preparations in full swing for PBBM's 4th SONA
Security preparations are now in full swing for the fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Marcos on July 28, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Monday, July 21.
PNP chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III said the entire police organization is ready to secure the event, adding that among the preparations being finalized are the proper way of dealing with expected protesters, securing the areas near the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City and other SONA-related security measures.
“This is a national event of great significance and as always the PNP is in the frontlines of ensuring the peaceful and orderly conduct. Security preparations are already in full swing,” said Torre.
Around 13,000 policemen will be deployed by the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) and among them are various Civil Disturbance and Management units of police districts in Metro Manila which participated in the recent competitions in dealing with protesters.
The focus of the preparations, according to Torre, are deescalating the tension, maintaining public safety and upholding human rights under pressure.
“We will not only secure the event but also preserve peace, uphold public order and protect the rights of all sectors involved including the protesters,” said Torre.
He then urged all commanders to make sure that operational guidelines are clear, personnel are briefed and trained and logistics are in place for the SONA.
Torre said they are also in constant coordination coordination with other law enforcement agencies, intelligence counterparts and force multipliers whom he described as the backbone of the mission to secure the SONA.
Among the coordination is on the issue of signal jamming and implementation of no fly zones in some areas.
Police have not monitored any threats for the SONA but Torre said their preparations include all the worse-case scenarios.
“We are not going to leave anything to chance. I remind everyone the eyes of the nation will once again be on us and we must not just secure the event, we must also protect the trust of the people,” said Torre.
“We are continuously reviewing everything but we are 100 percent ready for the event,” he added.