THE Philippine National Police (PNP) will deploy approximately 12,000 personnel to secure President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28.
PNP Chief Police General Nicolas Torre III announced the deployment plan, which includes an advance team arriving on July 26, with full deployment commencing on July 27 and continuing into the early hours of July 28. The deployment will also involve other law enforcement agencies and civilian support units.
General Torre emphasized that while the PNP maintains its usual intelligence monitoring, no specific threats have been detected at this time. The primary concern, he stated, is the weather, with hopes for clear conditions to optimize deployment.
Regarding potential protests, General Torre indicated that the PNP will address any situation as it arises.
While acknowledging the right to freedom of expression, he expressed his hope that the traditional burning of effigies would be avoided, citing environmental laws prohibiting such practices. He suggested that those wishing to engage in such activities should obtain permits from the local government unit or the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
The decision on whether or not to make arrests related to effigy burning will depend entirely on the circumstances on the day of the SONA.
The significant police presence underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring a peaceful and orderly SONA.
The focus on weather conditions highlights the practical challenges of managing large-scale security operations, particularly in the face of unpredictable weather patterns. The PNP’s approach to potential protests reflects a balance between upholding the right to freedom of expression and enforcing environmental regulations. The overall security plan aims to create a secure environment for the SONA proceedings while respecting the rights of citizens to express their views.
