MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) has announced that they are now in the “final stage” of security preparations for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s third State of the Nation Address (SONA), set to take place at the House of Representatives on July 22.
During a press briefing at Camp Crame on Tuesday afternoon, PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo emphasized that their main focus is on securing the areas surrounding the Batasang Pambansa Complex. Security inside the chamber is managed by the House Office of the Sergeant at Arms and the Presidential Security Group.
“We have not monitored any serious security threats, especially for the President’s SONA,” Fajardo stated.
She mentioned that the PNP is in constant coordination with other law enforcement agencies to assess any potential threats to the Marcos administration.
To ensure safety, at least 22,000 police officers will be deployed, with 6,000 stationed near the Batasang Pambansa Complex where President Marcos will deliver his third SONA.
“We are implementing some traffic rerouting, especially in areas where VIPs will pass through, and in anticipation of unpermitted mass actions. We are looking at various scenarios, hence, we are setting up a comprehensive security plan along Commonwealth Avenue and the roads leading to the Batasan Complex,” Fajardo explained.
The SONA, delivered annually on the last Monday of July, is an opportunity for the President to report on the state of the country, present the administration’s agenda, and request Congress to pass priority measures.
(el Amigo/mnm)
