PNP deploys 20,000 cops for 2026 SONA; 4 groups secure protest permits in QC

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Sunday deployed 20,000 personnel in Quezon City ahead of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 27, including along Commonwealth Avenue, where protesters are expected to gather.

According to Marisol Abdurahman’s “24 Oras Weekend” report, the PNP has set up tents to serve as command posts during the SONA. Police forces have been on full alert since 5 p.m. Friday.

As of publication, four groups have secured permits from the Quezon City government to hold demonstrations along Commonwealth Avenue. Police have appealed to participants to remain peaceful during the rallies.

As part of Quezon City's security preparations, a liquor ban will be in effect on July 27 from 12:01 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Security has also been tightened at the Batasang Pambansa Complex, where Marcos will deliver his address, with K-9 units deployed and strict checkpoints in place.

Traffic advisory

Police personnel have also been stationed around the Malacañang perimeter, while road closures have been implemented at Liwasang Bonifacio and Ayala Bridge, along with several traffic rerouting schemes, according to Abdurahman’s report.

See the full list of road closures and traffic rerouting here.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will also implement traffic rerouting along Commonwealth Avenue, including the closure of select U-turn slots, the parking lot in front of UP TechnoHub, and the Tandang Sora area.

Concrete barriers have also been installed along Commonwealth Avenue to establish a zipper lane on the southbound side.

“Magbabago nang kaunti sa paligid ng Batasan at diyan sa Commonwealth mismo, magbabago talaga ang mga takbo ng sasakyan diyan,” MMDA General Manager Nicolas Torre III said.

(Traffic flow will change slightly around Batasan and along Commonwealth Avenue.)

The MMDA said the number coding scheme for motorists will remain in effect on July 27. — Lyjah Tiffany Bonzo/MCG, GMA News