The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said it has finalized security measures in connection with the third State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday.
“The event is anticipated to attract a diverse range of attendees, including government officials, dignitaries, and the general public. In response, the NCRPO has finalized a comprehensive security plan,” NCRPO director Maj. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said.
The security plan includes strategic personnel deployment, civil disturbance management, anti-criminality initiatives, counter-terrorism measures, traffic management, and an emergency response team.
Nartatez on Friday led the Troop Send-Off ceremony held at the Quezon City Police District Grandstand in Camp Karingal for thousands of policemen deployed to maintain peace and order before, during, and after the SONA.
The NCRPO is collaborating with local traffic authorities in Quezon City to implement comprehensive traffic management plans to ensure smooth ingress and egress to the venue, minimize disruptions to daily commuter traffic, and ensure efficient attendee movement.
Uniformed personnel from other agencies have been deployed to various locations, including the five police districts of NCRPO, the Joint Task Force – NCR, Coast Guard, Bureau of Fire Protection, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Special Action Force, Regional Medical Dental Unit, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Regional Mobile Force Battalion, and the Regional Highway Patrol Unit.
These units and contingents have undergone rigorous training and preparation to handle any situation that may arise during the event.
Nartatez said 22,748 public safety and security forces will be deployed for the event, including 17,620 NCRPO personnel who will serve as security details.
Additionally, 2,317 personnel from PNP support units, including those from the national headquarters, and Central Luzon and Southern Tagalog regions, will be deployed.
A total of 2,811 personnel from allied agencies are also expected to augment the NCRPO to ensure the event’s success.
“As we approach SONA 2024, the NCRPO is a testament to this wisdom. In our journey towards achieving our goals, it’s essential to remember that success often comes from careful planning and consistent effort,” Nartatez said.
“Diligence, characterized by hard work and perseverance, lays a solid foundation for our endeavors. When we take the time to carefully consider our actions and meticulously plan our steps, we increase our chances of achieving lasting success and reaping the rewards of our labor,” he added.
A gun ban or temporary suspension of the Permit to Carry Firearms Outside Residence in Metro Manila will be implemented starting from 12:01 a.m. on July 20 to midnight on July 22.
However, members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), and other law enforcement agencies performing their official duties and wearing prescribed uniforms will be allowed to carry firearms.
“This is to ensure that the SONA 2024 will be free from fire-arm-related incidents and for the safety of the public,” Nartatez said.
