Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr., chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), has ordered a final check on security readiness for the 5th State of the Nation Address of President Marcos on July 27.

More than 20,000 policemen are expected to be deployed for the SONA at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City and the PNP will be augmented by personnel from other government agencies like the military for security and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and local government unit for traffic management.

Nartatez said sufficient number of policemen will also be on standby as part of the security protocol and what he wants to ensure is that the police forces will be ready for any eventuality.

“The PNP has finalized its comprehensive security plan for the President's fifth State of the Nation Address. All concerned units are in the final phase of coordination, rehearsals, and deployment to ensure a safe, orderly, and peaceful event for everyone,” Nartatez said.

Inside the Batasang Pambansa, the PNP expects thousands of participants, including government officials, invited guests, members of the diplomatic corps, media organizations, and various cause-oriented groups that traditionally hold demonstrations during the President's annual address.

Also part of the security measures are the handling of crowd management as thousands of protesters, from both sides of political fences, are expected to hold activities against and in support of the President.

Traditionally, the convergence points of protesters are the Quezon Memorial Circle and Philcoa in Quezon City while some groups are also expected to gather in Mendiola.

Protest march are also usually held along Commonwealth Avenue from Quezon Memorial Circle to the Sandiganbayan area.

“I remind every police officer to exercise maximum restraint. Remain professional at all times. Respect the constitutional rights of every Filipino. Our duty is to maintain peace and public safety while ensuring that lawful assemblies can proceed peacefully,” Nartatez said.

He said they have been coordinating with partner agencies and local government units to ensure security operations and traffic management are carried out efficiently.

“Security and the protection of civil liberties go hand in hand. The PNP is fully prepared to secure the SONA while respecting the right of individuals and groups to peacefully express their views in accordance with the law,” Nartatez said.