Over 20,000 cops to secure Marcos' 2nd SONA

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 6) — The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) will deploy over 20,000 policemen during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s second State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 24.

NCRPO Regional Director Edgar Alan Okubo said 17,121 will come from police districts in Metro Manila, while 4,460 will be from various government agencies — including the Special Action Force, the Aviation Security Group, the Philippine Coast Guard, the Bureau of Fire Protection, and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.

There will also be around 500 individuals from volunteer groups and force multipliers.

Bulk of the personnel will secure the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City, where the president will deliver his speech, and 31 "border control points" in Metro Manila.

A gun ban or suspension of the permit to carry firearms outside residence (PTCFOR) will also take effect from 12:01 a.m. until midnight of July 24.

"Ang pagtatalaga ng NCRPO ng inyong kapulisan para sa SONA 2023 ay naglalayong tiyakin ang kaligtasan at kapanatagan ng lahat ng nais makilahok sa araw na ito," Okubo said.

"Makakaasa ang ating mga kababayan na nirerespeto ng NCRPO ang inyong karapatang makapagbigay ng opinyon at saloobin. Nakasalalay sa inyong patuloy na pakikipagtulungan at pakikiisa ang pagkakaron ng matagumpay at mapayapang ikalawang SONA ng ating Pangulo." he added.

[Translation: The NCRPO's deployment of police officers for SONA 2023 aims to ensure the safety and security of all those who want to participate in this day. Our countrymen can expect the NCRPO to respect their right to express their thoughts and opinions. Our president's successful and peaceful second SONA will depend on your continued cooperation.]