The Philippine National Police (PNP) has deployed an initial force of 3,000 personnel across key areas of Quezon City as part of early security preparations for President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) scheduled for Monday, 28 July.
PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Jean Fajardo said in a television interview on Saturday that the deployment is part of a skeletal setup that will transition into full force by early Monday morning.
“Handang-handa na po tayo. Ngayong araw po ay naka-skeletal deployment na po tayo ng ating mga personnel na ide-deploy for purposes of the SONA," Fajardo said.
(We are very ready. We have a skeletal deployment of PNP personnel for purposes of the SONA.)
She added that the PNP's full deployment of over 12,000 officers will take effect at dawn on 28 July, coinciding with the heightened security measures for the high-profile annual address at the Batasang Pambansa complex.
Despite the significant police presence, Fajardo assured the public that no serious security threats have been detected so far. However, she emphasized that the PNP is not taking any chances.
“Sa ngayon po, wala naman po tayong nare-receive na anumang seryosong banta. Pero hindi tayo nagkukumpiyansa, lagi po tayong nakikipag-coordinate sa other law enforcement agencies particularly po sa Armed Forces of the Philippines para ma-prevent po kung mayroon man po ang mga banta po tayong na-monitor,” she said.
(As of now, we have not received any serious threats. But we are not being complacent; we are constantly coordinating with other law enforcement agencies, particularly the Armed Forces of the Philippines, to prevent any potential threats that we may detect.)
As part of the ongoing preparations, Fajardo said PNP personnel were already stationed along Commonwealth Avenue on Saturday, with coverage extending from Sandiganbayan to Litex and along the IBP Road.
The deployment is supported by anti-criminality measures, including police checkpoints and the activation of Task Force Manila Shield, she added.
In line with the event, the Quezon City government earlier announced class suspensions in all public and private schools and a liquor ban on Monday, 28 July.
Road closures affecting motorists and commuters will also be implemented in areas surrounding the Batasan Complex.
President Marcos is expected to outline his administration’s accomplishments and legislative priorities during the SONA, which will be delivered before members of Congress and key government officials.