The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said on Sunday it is prepared to ensure the security of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday.
AFP spokesperson Colonel Margareth Padilla said they are ready to provide additional troops to augment security for SONA 2024, alongside the Philippine National Police (PNP).
“Sa side ng Armed Forces of the Philippines, handang-handa na kami. Kami ay humahalinhin sa iba’t ibang roles that we will be playing in this,” Padilla said in an interview.
“We’re also ready to perform our mandate in securing the President and our dignitaries for this upcoming SONA,” she added.
Even as the SONA is set to be delivered at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City, Padilla said the AFP will still continue to monitor peace and order in areas outside of Metro Manila.
Last Monday, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said there were no threats monitored so far to the conduct of Marcos’ third SONA.
Around 22,000 police personnel will be deployed to secure the SONA, according to the PNP.
A gun ban is also currently in effect in the National Capital Region (NCR), which started on Saturday, July 20, and will end at midnight on Monday, July 22.
As part of security measures, the Batasang Pambansa has been on lockdown since Saturday up to Tuesday.
