PNP: Final Readiness Checks Underway for Marcos' Fifth SONA

MANILA, Philippines — Final readiness checks are underway for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address (Sona), with more than 20,000 police personnel set to secure the July 27 event, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Sunday. The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) and supporting forces were instructed to conduct final inspections of deployment strategies and contingency plans ahead of the Sona at the Batasang Pambansa Complex. Security efforts will be reinforced by the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Coast Guard. “All concerned units are in the final phase of coordination, rehearsals, and deployment to ensure a safe, orderly, and peaceful event for everyone,” PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement. The PNP anticipates the attendance of thousands of individuals, including government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, guests, and media representatives. Various groups are also expected to hold demonstrations during the president’s annual address. “I remind every police officer to exercise maximum restraint. Remain professional at all times. Respect the constitutional rights of every Filipino,” Nartatez said. “Our duty is to maintain peace and public safety while ensuring that lawful assemblies can proceed peacefully,” he added. Authorities continue to coordinate with partner agencies and local government units to facilitate security operations and traffic management. “Security and the protection of civil liberties go hand in hand,” Nartatez said, adding that the PNP respects the “right of individuals and groups to peacefully express their views in accordance with the law.” The House of Representatives also said it was “one hundred percent” prepared for Marcos’ fifth Sona, with security arrangements already in place. READ: House all set for Marcos’ ‘toned-down’ Sona Earlier in June, House Secretary General Atty. Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil said “simplicity” would be the defining theme of this year’s Sona, with no red carpet and a less extravagant dress code. Held every fourth Monday of July, the Sona is the president’s annual report on the nation’s political and socioeconomic state. /mcm