Three days ahead of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address (SoNA), the Philippine National Police (PNP) urged demonstration organizers Friday to guard their ranks against outside provocateurs seeking to instigate violence.

PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. stated that event leaders share the obligation to keep lawful assemblies peaceful throughout Monday’s address.

“We call on all rally organizers to protect their own ranks and remain vigilant against outside provocateurs who might take advantage of the demonstrations to instigate violence,” Nartatez said.

The appeal follows the Quezon City government’s approval of rally permits for three organizations along Commonwealth Avenue on 27 July — Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, Sanlakas, and Better Brighter. Permit applications for other groups remain under review.

More than 21,000 security personnel will deploy for the SoNA.

Police are coordinating traffic management with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, as well as managing logistics alongside the Iglesia Ni Cristo, which celebrates its 112th founding anniversary on the same day.

Nartatez cited that the security directives align with instructions from Marcos and Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla to maintain public safety while protecting the constitutional right to peaceful assembly.

Police personnel deployed for the event have been instructed to exercise maximum tolerance, follow crowd management protocols, and wear body-worn cameras to ensure operational transparency.

Meanwhile, local law enforcement announced a citywide liquor ban in Quezon City for the address. Under Executive Order 24, Series of 2026, the sale, distribution, and consumption of alcoholic beverages will be prohibited from 12:01 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday.

The Quezon City Police District warned that individuals and business establishments violating the ban will face penalties under applicable local ordinances and national laws.