Over 20,000 cops to be deployed for 2026 SONA - NCRPO

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said over 20,000 police officers will be deployed to provide security for the 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 27, 2026 in Quezon City.

In an interview on Super Radyo dzBB on Sunday, P/Major Hazel Asilo, NCRPO spokesperson, said they are “100% ready” for the upcoming event that will be held at the Batasang Pambansa Complex.

She said 20,229 personnel will be deployed for the SONA and would be supported by other units in the metropolis and nearby regions as part of the NCRPO’s comprehensive security plan to safeguard the proceedings and the public.

The NCRPO is currently on heightened alert status, with all leaves and dayoffs currently suspended for police personnel.

“Sa ngayon naka-heightened alert status pa naman ang NCRPO. 'Yung pagtataas po natin sa full alert status ay magdedepende po sa ating assessment ...dahil ito 'yung pinakamataas ng deployment...ito 'yung walang leave, at ang mga off ay isasantabi muna,” she said.

SONA rallies

The NCRPO official said they are expecting four groups, both pro- and anti-government, who are planning to stage demonstrations near the vicinity of the Batasang Pambansa.

No permits have so far been issued to these groups, according to Asilo.

She said a final coordinating meeting is scheduled with groups that are planning to conduct activities on the day of the SONA to determine their various locations.

Responding to a statement from the group BAYAN after it was denied to hold an activity along a major thoroughfare, Asilo said the approval and nature of rally permits are not dependent on the NCRPO but by respective local government units (LGUs).

“Sa huli po naming pagko coordinate sa Quezon City Police District (QCPD), nagkaroon initially ng pag-uusap sa mga grupo at meron po silang venue na gusto. Iyun nga lamang po, ‘yun lamang po ang mismong LGU ang hindi pumayag, hindi po ang NCRPO,” she said.

(During our most recent coordination with the QCPD, there was an initial talk with the groups that wanted a venue. But it’s up to the LGU to give them permission and not the NCRPO.)

She added the LGU has not given approval as to whether a stage will be allowed along the stretch of Commonwealth Avenue, citing the potential effect this would have on the general public.

“Meron po tayong mga itinuturing na no rally zones, kasi nga po ang isinasaalang-alang natin is 'yung kapakanan ng mas nakararami, ang ating mga motorista, mga komyuter, 'yung mga kalsada po natin ay hindi po talaga natin in-allow na magkaroon ng mga pagtitipon,” she explained.

(We have designated no rally zones, since we prioritize the welfare of the majority, our motorists, our commuters. We really do not allow our roads to be places of assembly.)

The police will also take into account the proximity of opposing groups to deter potential confrontations.

“Isa 'yan sa ating tinitignan, na pagbigyan sila pareho ng pwesto, 'yung mga anti- natin at mga pro-, para po hindi sila mag-clash at magpang-abot, at magkaroon po sila ng pagkakataon na makapagpahayag ng kanilang mga saloobin ng mapayapa,” Asilo said.

(This is one of what we are looking at, to allow them their own venues, our anti- and pro- groups, to prevent clashes and confrontations, and to allow them the chance to express their sentiments in a peaceful manner.)

She added a possible gun and liquor ban might be declared on the day of the SONA depending on the threat assessment.

“Posible po 'yung pagkakaroon ng ating gun ban ganun din po ang liquor ban sa araw ng SONA, at 'yan po ay magde-depende sa magiging assessment natin at sa magiging suggestions po nung LGUs,” she said. —RF, GMA News