23,000 COPS TO SECURE MARCOS’ 3RD SONA

NATIONAL Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Maj. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said a total of 23,000 police officers will be deployed to secure today’s (June 22, 2024) 3^rd State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr..

According to Nartatez, of the total number, 1,000 cops will come from Central Luzon and Calabarzon regions.

The NCRPO was placed on a full alert status since Sunday for today’s SONA.

Full alert is the highest level of readiness in all police officers and units. Under full alert status, 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, threat level ang Metro Manila pinakamababa, halos walang threat, Nartatez told reporters on the sidelines of the send-off ceremony for cops to be deployed held at the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) headquarters Camp Karingal.

“Around House of Representatives is no fly zone,“  he added.

Today’s SONA of the President is expected to draw some 2,000 VIP guests, including diplomats.

Meanwhile, Nartatez 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,” he said.

The NCRPO head said starting Saturday, until the end of the day of Monday. gun ban would take effect.

Philippine National Police chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil assured the public that measures are in place to prevent an incident similar to the assassination attempt on former US president Donald Trump.

According to PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo, they are praying for a peaceful and orderly SONA.

She said they have not monitored any serious threats that would disrupt the SONA, adding that they maintain an active stance, conducting intelligence monitoring and gathering with other security forces to address any security threats and challenges swiftly.

FREE RIDES FOR COMMIUTERS

AFFECTED BY ROAD CLOSURES

Fajardo said commuters affected by road closures on today’s SONA will be offered free rides by the Philippine National Police (PNP).

She said PNP’s mobile assets will also be escorted to pick up stranded passengers.

Fajardo added that the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will offer free rides to the public.