Gun Ban in Metro Manila for Marcos' 5th SONA

MANILA, Philippines — A ban on carrying guns outside residences will be in place on Monday, July 27, as part of security measures for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address (Sona), according to the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO). “Security preparations include intensified intelligence monitoring, route and perimeter security, contingency planning, Quick Reaction Teams, Explosive Ordnance Disposal units, SWAT (special weapons and tactics) elements, medical response teams,” the NCRPO detailed in a statement on Wednesday. “Additional measures include the implementation of a No Fly Zone / No Drone Zone over designated areas and the nationwide suspension of Permits to Carry Firearms Outside Residence (PTCFOR) on July 27, further strengthening the overall security posture,” it noted. READ: PNP on alert for possible cyber threats ahead of Sona 2026 The NCRPO earlier said it would deploy 21,261 personnel for security measures. It added that the regional police will be on full alert status starting 5 p.m. on Friday, July 24. The NCRPO also announced that roads surrounding the Batasang Pambansa Complex, where Marcos will give his address to a joint session of Congress, will be temporarily closed. “Motorists traveling northbound from Quezon Memorial Circle to Fairview may take North Avenue, Mindanao Avenue, Sauyo Road, or Quirino Highway before rejoining Commonwealth Avenue,” the NCRPO explained. “Those traveling southbound from Fairview to Quezon Memorial Circle may take Commonwealth Avenue, Sauyo Road or Quirino Highway, Mindanao Avenue, and North Avenue,” it added. /das