Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III said on Monday they have detected no serious security threats that could disrupt the fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
“There are no threats (so far), we are hoping for the best but prepared for the worst,” Torre said in a media briefing.
Torre said over 16,000 policemen and 3,000 force augmentation from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology and Bureau of Fire Protection were deployed across Metro Manila to ensure the peace and order in connection to the SONA.
Security was heavy at the vicinity of the House of Representatives in Batasang Pambansa, Quezon City where Marcos will deliver his SONA later this afternoon.
Torre conducted an inspection of police deployment, especially along Commonwealth Avenue, where various progressive groups are conducting protest actions—a regular sight at every SONA gathering.
He also reminded police personnel to exercise maximum tolerance amid the ongoing demonstrations. The PNP said these assemblies are allowed as long as protesters do it “within the ambit of the law.”
Torre, meanwhile, reiterated his warning against burning effigies in deference to environmental laws.
The PNP previously said it has coordinated with three groups for protests: the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan near the Saint Peter’s Parish along Commonwealth; Tindig Pilipinas along White Plains Avenue; and a pro-administration group near the Sandiganbayan.
