The Philippine National Police (PNP) warned that individuals who burn effigies during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s fifth State of the Nation Address on Monday may be arrested for violating existing laws.

PNP chief Jose Melencion Nartatez Jr. said burning effigies during public demonstrations may violate Republic Act No. 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, and Batas Pambansa Blg. 880, or the Public Assembly Act of 1985, which prohibits the burning of materials on public roads during public assemblies.

Nartatez directed the PNP, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group to coordinate in filing appropriate charges against violators.

He also instructed the Quezon City Police District to document incidents of effigy burning for use as evidence in possible criminal cases.

The PNP chief also rejected criticism from militant groups that the deployment of 21,000 police personnel for the SONA was excessive.

"There is no such thing as overkill in ensuring peace and order and public safety," Torre said.

"We are 230,000 nationwide. We can utilize all these resources to ensure public safety as well as peace and order," he added.

Naratez said the public would be better served by maximum security measures rather than minimal security during the President's annual address.