The Philippine National Police (PNP) will deploy over 12,000 personnel to secure the fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on July 28. The announcement was made following a 4:00 a.m. command conference on Tuesday led by PNP Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III.
Held at the PNP Main Conference Room in Camp Crame, the early morning meeting included key officials from the PNP Command Group, the NCRPO, and directors for operations, intelligence, and community relations. The session focused on finalizing security preparations.
Torre said the early start symbolizes the commitment of the police force to serve the Filipino people. “Rising early is the least we can do to repay the support of our countrymen,” he said, emphasizing the need for unity and proactive leadership in ensuring a peaceful SONA.
PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo confirmed that more than 12,000 officers will be stationed within and around the House of Representatives (HOR). “That includes the vicinity of the Batasang Pambansa Complex,” she noted during a press briefing.
Fajardo said a coordination meeting with the Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms of the HOR is scheduled to refine security protocols. She also mentioned ongoing evaluations of crowd estimates and protest activities expected near the venue.
Torre added that threat assessments will continue, and adjustments will be made based on updated intelligence. This includes addressing possible concerns over the impeachment issue of Vice President Sara Duterte, depending on any related security risks.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “Torre holds PNP command conference at dawn for SONA security preps”
