PNP TO DEPLOY OVER 20,000 COPS FOR MARCOS’ 5TH SONA

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) is set to deploy more than 20,000 policemen to the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address on July 27.

The PNP has finalized and begun implementing its comprehensive security preparations, with 20,229 personnel designated for deployment to help ensure the safe, orderly, and peaceful conduct of one of the country’s most significant national events.

The deployment reflects the PNP’s dual objective of securing the SONA while ensuring that police services remain uninterrupted in communities across Metro Manila.

Some 5,904 personnel have been designated to sustain anti-criminality and other police operations, ensuring continuous police visibility, crime prevention, and emergency response even as security measures for the SONA are intensified.

Meanwhile, 2,345 personnel have been assigned to the House of Representatives, which will serve as the main venue of the President’s address.

The PNP said the number will be augmented by personnel from other government agencies like the military for security and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and local government unit for traffic management.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the National Police is fully prepared to secure the SONA while respecting the rights of individuals and groups to peacefully express their views in accordance with the law.

Thousands are expected at the President’s annual address, alongside various cause-oriented groups that traditionally stage demonstrations during the event.

Nartatez assured the public that the organization is fully prepared to carry out its mandate with professionalism, discipline, and respect for the rights of every Filipino.

“Hindi lang ito tungkol sa seguridad ng SONA. Ang mahalaga, tuloy-tuloy pa rin ang serbisyo ng pulisya sa ating mga komunidad habang tinitiyak nating magiging mapayapa at maayos ang pagdaraos ng okasyong ito. We want every Filipino to feel safe—whether they are attending the event, going to work, or simply carrying on with their daily lives,” he said.

The chief  PNP likewise reminded all commanders and deployed personnel to remain disciplined, exercise maximum tolerance, and maintain professionalism throughout the security operations.

“Ang bilin ko sa ating mga pulis, pairalin ang disiplina, respeto, at malasakit sa bawat mamamayan. Our success will not only be measured by a peaceful SONA, but also by how we earn the trust and confidence of the public through our actions,” the PNP  chief added.

He said the PNP continues to work closely with partner government agencies, local government units, and other stakeholders to synchronize security, traffic management, emergency preparedness, and public safety measures in the lead-up to the fifth SONA of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

As preparations continue over the coming days, the PNP encourages the public to cooperate with lawful security measures and immediately report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through established emergency channels.

Through these collective efforts, the PNP remains steadfast in advancing Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman, ensuring that the fifth SONA is conducted in a secure, orderly, and peaceful environment for all.