By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) will field 20,229 police personnel to provide security for the fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on July 27, as authorities prepare for heightened security and anticipated protest actions.
NCRPO chief Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin said nearly half of the deployed force—9,700 officers—will serve as civil disturbance management (CDM) personnel tasked with maintaining public order and ensuring that demonstrations remain peaceful and within the bounds of the law.
Security forces will be stationed at major government and symbolic sites, including the Batasang Pambansa Complex, where the President will deliver his address, as well as Malacañang Palace, the Senate, the United States Embassy, the EDSA People Power Monument, and the EDSA Shrine.
Aberin noted that the deployment represents the NCRPO’s initial operational plan and could still be adjusted based on updated intelligence assessments and security requirements in the days leading up to the President’s annual address.
The NCRPO said the extensive security operation is intended to protect government institutions, ensure public safety, facilitate the orderly conduct of the SONA, and uphold the constitutional right of citizens to peacefully assemble and express their views.
ia/xf
