1,329 MMDA personnel to be deployed for SONA

MANILA, Philippines — Up to 1,329 personnel of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will be deployed during President Marcos’ third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 22.

MMDA personnel will conduct road and sidewalk clearing operations and monitor traffic leading to the Batasang Pambansa complex in Quezon City, MMDA traffic operations officer Manny Miro said over the weekend.

The Batasang Pambansa will be on lockdown starting July 19.

Road closures will be announced soon.

Around 22,000 personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP) will also be deployed for the SONA.

A nationwide gun ban will take effect on July 22.

No security threats have been detected so far, PNP chief information officer Col. Jean Fajardo said yesterday.

The PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine Coast Guard held a meeting last week to ensure their readiness.

“If there are minor adjustments, they will likely pertain to security measures along Commonwealth Avenue, especially if the local government of Quezon City issues permits for rallies,” Fajardo said.

The PNP will field around 5,000 personnel in Quezon City.

The Quezon City Police District has discouraged protesters from burning effigies during the rallies.

Police officers in Central Luzon and Southern Tagalog will assist in border control.