MANILA, Philippines — According to the Philippine National Police (PNP), more than 20,000 troops would be deployed in order to ensure the safety of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s first State of the Nation Address (SONA), which will take place on July 25.
In an interview, PMGen Valeriano de Leon, who is in charge of operations for the Philippine National Police, said that the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRP) first gave a number of 15,000.
When the Presidential Security Group (PSA) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) were added, the number went up to 20,000.
He also stated that active disturbance management groups are among those involved in the deployment for Marcos Jr.’s first SONA.
Moreover, De Leon refuted allegations made by some progressive organizations that their proposal to deploy some 20,000 troops constitutes “overkill.”
“Baka mamaya, pag may mangyayari, di inaasahan, magtatanong ang kababayan, asaan ang mga pulis?”
PMGen Valeriano de Leon
(If something unexpected happens, our kababayans might ask, where is the police?)
In addition to the preparedness of security forces, authorities from the government have also established alternate routes that motorists may use on the day of the SONA.
Meanwhile, President Marcos has invited Filipinos to witness his first State of the Nation Address (SONA), in which he would highlight his important policies and priorities as the country’s 17th President.
“Samahan niyo po ako at pakinggan ang estado ng ating bansa at ang mga plano at mithiin natin bilang isang sambayanan para sa mga susunod na taon.”
FERDINAND “BONGBONG” MARCOS JR.
(Join me and listen as I talk about the state of our country and our plans and aspirations as a nation in the succeeding years)
Marcos’ SONA will take place at the Batasan facility in Quezon City before a joint session of Congress.
More than 1,300 people have been invited to attend.
Mark Llandro Mendoza, the Secretary General of the House of Representatives, stated that they began delivering invites to 1,365 guests over the weekend, and that the rest of the invitations would be given this week.
Vice President Sara Duterte, as well as previous presidents, vice presidents, speakers of the House of Representatives, and presidents of the Senate, members of Marcos’ cabinet, and members of the diplomatic corps, are among those who have been invited.