PNP sees peaceful and orderly SONA

UP to late yesterday, no security threat has been monitored and the PNP is confident that President Marcos Jr.’s third State of the Nation Address (SONA) today, Monday, at the Batasang Pambansa complex in Quezon City will be peaceful and orderly.

“We are confident in the sense that we’ve considered everything,” PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said, referring to every possible scenario that may arise during the event.

“As of today, we have not monitored any serious threat to disrupt the SONA but we will remain active,” Fajardo added.

Col. Francel Margareth Padilla, the spokesperson of the Armed Forces, said the commander of the Presidential Security Group, Brig. Gen. Jesus Nelson Morales, has declared there is no threat to the safety of the President during the SONA.

“On the side of the Armed Forces, we are also ready,” Padilla told a radio interview. “In terms of security, we are ready to provide additional troops.

“They (PSG personnel) are also ready to perform our mandate in securing the President and other dignitaries for this upcoming SONA,” said Padilla.

Fajardo said the PNP, in coordination with other security agencies, will continue to conduct intelligence monitoring and gathering “so we can immediately address security threats and challenges” if they arise.

“It’s all system go. All possible scenarios have been considered when it comes to our security preparations,” said Fajardo.

Fajardo said they deployed troops in the vicinity of Batasang Pambansa complex as early as last Friday, adding: “By tomorrow (Monday), we’ll be on full deployment.”

The PNP initially said some 22,000 policemen would be deployed to secure the President’s address. The number later rose to 23,000 personnel.

“We’re already on full alert (status) effective 6 a.m. last Saturday,” said Fajardo. “We’ve activated our Task Force Manila Shield and we will have border control (operations).”

The PNP also implemented a gun ban in Metro Manila starting last Saturday up to today.

Fajardo said anti-government protests will be allowed in the vicinity of the Diliman Doctors Hospital Commonwealth Ave., about six kilometers away from the Batasang Pambansa complex.

“Hopefully, through our early