PRO-10 Deploys 4,688 Personnel for Marcos' 5th Sona, Vows to Protect Free Speech

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Police Regional Office-10 (PRO-10) announced the strategic deployment of 4,688 personnel across Northern Mindanao ahead of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday, July 27. The office assured the public that the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly will be firmly protected, while calling on citizens to exercise these rights responsibly within the bounds of the law. “While the Philippine National Police remains steadfast in upholding every citizen’s right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, we call on the participants to exercise these rights responsibly and within the bounds of the law,” said Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano, PRO-10 commander. To maintain order while the President delivers his address at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City, the entire PRO-10 force has been placed on heightened alert. The deployed officers are positioned to secure vital installations, transportation hubs, major thoroughfares, and other critical places of convergence throughout the region. READ: PNP sees no security threat to Marcos’ 5th Sona Maj. Joann Navarro, PRO-10 spokesperson, told the Inquirer that police commanders throughout the region have been directed to intensify visibility, sustain intelligence monitoring, and coordinate closely with force multipliers and partner agencies to tighten public security. “We urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or individuals immediately through our unified 911 emergency hotline,” Navarro added. The measures are in anticipation of potential protests and gatherings expected during the Sona period, with security forces aiming to strike a balance between respecting citizens' rights and maintaining public order. Protests related to social issues and government policies are common during the Sona in the Philippines. Source: Inquirer NewsInfo