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The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) revealed on Friday that it will be under a full alert status starting on Sunday in line with the security preparations ahead of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s third State of the Nation Address (SoNA).
NCRPO chief Maj. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. explained that the full alert means the highest level of readiness in all police officers and units and police personnel are not allowed to go on leave.
“We are on heightened alert such that on Sunday, we will be on full alert. As of now, the threat level in Metro Manila is at the lowest, there is barely a threat. Around the House of Representatives is no fly zone,” said Nartatez.
He added that multipliers numbering to 1,000 cops coming from Central Luzon and Calabarzon will bring to 23,000 the total number of police officers that will be deployed to secure the SoNA.
While Nartatez acknowledges the opinions that the large police deployment may seem overkill, he stressed that the NCRPO is just fully utilizing its manpower, logistics and even finances to secure the national event that will draw some 2,000 VIP guests, including diplomats. Nartatez also said they are also expecting some 8,000 to 10,000 protesters.
“We are ensuring that the delivery of the SoNA of our President will be seamless, smooth and very peaceful,” said Nartatez.
The NCRPO chief also disclosed that the gun ban in Metro Manila would take effect on Saturday until the end of the day of Monday.
For his part, Philippine National Police chief Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil assured the public that measures are in place to prevent an incident similar to the assassination attempt on former United States President Donald Trump.
“Always 100 percent ready.
Remember it’s the whole organization, law enforcement,” Marbil said in an earlier interview, adding that the PNP is in constant coordination with the Presidential Security Group (PSG), military, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to secure the SoNA. He also urged rallyists to keep their protests peaceful and do not impede the movement of the general public.
