Over 22K cops set to secure SONA 2024

MORE than 22,000 cops and force multipliers are set to be deployed on July 22 to secure the third State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Marcos Jr.

In a statement, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said 22,621 policemen and force multipliers will be deployed in different parts of Metro Manila and around the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City.

“We shall deploy 22,621 policemen in different border control points as well as around the Batasang Pambansa, where the SONA will be taking place,” said NCRPO Director PMGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.

The majority of the security personnel, or 17,971, will come from the NCRPO, while 1,879 will come from other units of the PNP.

There will be 2,771 force multipliers from different government agencies, added the NCRPO.

Nartatez said they will also deploy sub-task groups that would be led by the five district directors in Metro Manila.

“We will not just provide security but also medical assistance in coordination with public agencies and private organizations,” said Nartatez, adding there will be several simulation exercises to be held in the days leading to July 22.

“We have started with our simulations so we have an idea whether our preparations would be effective,” said Nartatez.

On July 22, Marcos will deliver his third State of the Nation Address at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City.

In a separate interview, QCPD Director Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan said they have not monitored any security threats relative to the SONA.

Nevertheless, he said they will continue to gather information as the day draws closer.

“As of now, we have not monitored any serious threat to the forthcoming SONA of the President. Nevertheless, we will not let our guard down,” said Maranan. “We will continue to gather information. And once we receive such information, we will adjust accordingly our security environment.”

Maranan said they also plan to meet groups planning to hold rallies and protest actions during the SONA.

“That is already a tradition for the PNP and these groups holding protest actions, to hold a series of meetings so that we can ensure the peaceful and orderly SONA,” he said.

Maranan said they will