The Philippine National Police is sending more cops to secure the first State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on July 25.
The National Capital Region Police Office announced on Saturday that 21,853 policemen will now be deployed, up from the previous 15,000-strong security team.
These include 16,964 organic NCRPO personnel, 1,905 men from PNP support units, and 2,974 personnel from coordinating agencies and peacekeeping partners.
“Toward this end, the previous deployment figure was beefed up to a larger number as extensive planning develops,” said NCRPO director Maj. Gen. Felipe Natividad.
Carrying of firearms outside residence will also be suspended within Metro Manila from July 22 to 27.
Aside from the gun ban, Natividad said the no permit, no rally policy will also be in effect.
Natividad said those who will About…conduct mass assemblies in places other than designated freedom parks must first secure a permit from the local government before holding their activities and programs.
Natividad said road rerouting plans have been laid down by the MMDA to pave the way for essential vehicles to freely utilize portions of Commonwealth Avenue, the main thoroughfare leading to the House of Representatives and where zipper lanes will be set up.