THE PHILIPPINE government is tightening security and traffic measures ahead of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 27, with police set to deploy more than 21,000 personnel across Metro Manila as protest groups prepare demonstrations near the venue.
During a meeting of the government’s security cluster on Tuesday, Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto ordered security agencies to ensure the annual address proceeds “peacefully and smoothly.”
“Let us ensure that the SONA proceeds peacefully and smoothly for everyone,” Mr. Recto said in a statement in Filipino released by his office. “We must be prepared, our actions must be coordinated and our response to any situation must be swift.”
He ordered the Philippine National Police and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority to coordinate security, traffic and crowd management plans.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines, Presidential Security Command, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Coast Guard and transportation agencies are also involved in the preparations.
The annual address at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City serves as the President’s report to Congress on the administration’s accomplishments and legislative priorities.
Malacañang earlier said Mr. Marcos was finalizing his speech for what is expected to be a “simple but dignified” event.
The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said 21,261 policemen would be deployed, with 3,000 more from neighboring regions on standby. Metro Manila will be placed under full alert status beginning 5 p.m. on July 24.
“We firmly guarantee the public that our security operations will be guided unconditionally by the rule of law, profound respect for constitutional rights and the highest standards of professionalism,” NCRPO Chief Police Major General Anthony A. Aberin said in a statement.
Activist groups, including Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, have announced plans to hold protests along Commonwealth Avenue during the SONA.
Mr. Recto ordered law enforcement agencies to respect the constitutional right to peaceful assembly while maintaining public order.
“Respect the right to dissent, but be firm against violence, disorder and any threat to public safety,” he said.
The NCRPO said 11,196 personnel had been assigned to civil disturbance management operations.
Authorities will also enforce a no-fly zone and no-drone zone over designated areas and implement a nationwide suspension of permits to carry firearms on the day of the SONA.
Police also announced temporary road closures and traffic rerouting around the Batasang Pambansa Complex to ease expected congestion. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking
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