NCRPO on Full Alert for SONA 2026, Security Measures Tightened Amid Protest Plans

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has been placed on full alert as part of preparations for President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s State of the Nation Address (SONA) in 2026. Major General Anthony Aberin led an inspection of Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City on Saturday morning, two days before the scheduled SONA. Operatives from the Quezon City Police District (QCPD), along with personnel from the Quezon City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (QCDRRMO) and the local government unit of Quezon City, also participated in the inspection, according to a report by Carlo Mateo on Dobol B TV. The police are actively checking the deployment of their personnel to provide security amidst anticipated protest actions scheduled for Monday, SONA Day. "Currently, the walkthrough is ongoing to ensure that all areas where protesters will hold their protest actions and of course the areas where commuters and motorists will pass will be orderly. So the checking of locations is ongoing," NCRPO spokesperson Police Major Hazel Asilo said in an interview on Dobol B TV. Asilo further explained that police are assessing the lanes designated for barriers and the number of lanes that will be closed to motorists. A zipper lane will be opened, which will be delineated with steel barriers instead of plastic ones to prevent them from being moved by rallyists. The inner lane of Commonwealth Avenue is designated for motorists, while the outer lane will be for rallyists. Regarding a reported gathering by Iglesia Ni Cristo to be held on Monday, Asilo stated that they have not yet received validated information on whether the event will take place outside the INC premises. The NCRPO officially went on full alert starting Friday at 5 p.m. in preparation for SONA 2026. Previously, the NCRPO announced that over 20,000 police officers would be deployed to ensure security for the event. Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla assured on Wednesday that all security measures are ready for Marcos' SONA, stating, "We are ready for any contingencies." At least four groups have applied for permits to hold rallies against the SONA in Quezon City on Monday, the NCRPO had previously stated. Asilo confirmed on Saturday that three groups—the Better Brighter Movement, BAYAN, and Sanlakas—were granted rally permits. These rallyists will be allowed on Commonwealth Avenue up to Capitol Estates. Another group will be permitted to rally in front of the Commission on Audit. The SONA, mandated under Article VII Section 23 of the 1987 Constitution, is the President's annual report to Congress, delivered every fourth Monday of July. It serves as both a constitutional obligation and a significant political event where the President outlines the nation's condition and the administration's priorities and agenda for the upcoming year. Information Source: GMA News Philippines