15,000 security personnel to be deployed for Marcos' first SONA —PNP

Some 15,000 security personnel will be deployed to secure the first State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on July 25, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Thursday.

In a statement, the PNP said the deployment is composed of police personnel, soldiers, and force multipliers from other government agencies.

PNP director for operations Police Major General Valeriano de Leon said National Capital Region Police Office chief Police Major General Felipe Natividad presented a security plan to Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos last week.

"The presentation was impressive, but there will be minor adjustments in the actual deployment," De Leon said.

A task force will be created for the security of the SONA. It coordinate with other government agencies for traffic rerouting, handling of protesters, and other security issues.

"The security preparations would not be as stringent as the inauguration because this will be done in a closed building, but still, we have to be very careful about the surroundings, especially that Quezon City is a populated area," De Leon said.

Marcos’ SONA will be held at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City.

De Leon said protesters may conduct their programs at freedom parks.
"We expect rallyists to air their issues, but we encourage them to hold it at the right venue," he said. "There will be dialogue on this matter with them... We also have to respect their rights."

As instructed by PNP officer-in-charge (OIC) Police Lieutenant General Vicente Danao Jr., De Leon said the police will exercise maximum tolerance with protesters to avoid unnecessary confrontation.

Earlier, House Secretary General Mark Llandro Mendoza said full capacity will be allowed at the Batasang Pambansa Complex for Marcos’ SONA amid the COVID-19 pandemic. —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA News