Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla assured the public Wednesday that security preparations are fully in place for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address (SoNA) on Monday, as authorities deploy over 21,000 police officers across Metro Manila.

Speaking at a command conference, Remulla said government agencies are coordinating continuously to manage various contingencies and maintain public safety amid anticipated mass demonstrations.

“Yes, we are ready,” Remulla said. “In fact, we are holding a command conference about this today. We have 20,000 police now deployed, and we are ready for any contingencies.”

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) announced Wednesday that it increased its planned deployment to 21,261 police officers, supported by 3,000 standby personnel from neighboring regional offices for immediate reinforcement.

It will shift to full alert status at 5 p.m. on Friday, 24 July, initiating phased deployments leading to full operational readiness.

Security forces will secure the Batasang Pambansa complex in Quezon City, major thoroughfares, transport terminals, border control points, government installations, and designated rally zones.

Enhanced security measures will cover traditional demonstration sites, including the Batasang Pambansa, People Power Monument, Malacañang, Liwasang Bonifacio, the Senate in Pasay City and the US Embassy.

Security operations include a temporary “no-fly zone” and “no-drone zone” over designated areas, alongside a nationwide suspension of permits to carry firearms outside residences on 27 July.

Specialized units — including SWAT, explosive ordnance disposal teams, and medical response crews — will coordinate with the Presidential Security Command, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Philippine Coast Guard.

To manage public assemblies, the NCRPO assigned 11,196 civil disturbance management personnel, emphasizing that officers were instructed to exercise maximum tolerance and respect constitutional rights to peaceful assembly.

Regular anti-criminality operations and police visibility will continue without interruption.

Remulla also expressed confidence in the administration’s performance ahead of the address.

“The economy is surprisingly resilient. Inflation is controlled. Crime is down,” Remulla said. “I think with the resolution of some cases, with the arrest of some unwanted persons, with the conclusion of flood-control projects, I think public confidence will rise.”

Simultaneously, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) advised motorists to expect heavy congestion and intermittent road closures along Commonwealth Avenue, IBP Road, and surrounding routes near the House of Representatives.

The MMDA will deploy 1,481 traffic enforcement personnel under a strict “no day-off, no absent” policy, prepositioning 39 tow trucks, 30 motorcycle units, emergency vehicles, and a mobile command center equipped with 15 closed-circuit television cameras near the Batasan complex.