The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced on Sunday its preparedness to ensure the security of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. during his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, despite no known threats.
AFP spokesperson Colonel Francel Padilla stated that, alongside the Philippine National Police (PNP), the AFP is ready to deploy additional troops to bolster security at SONA 2024.
The AFP will also monitor peace and order outside Metro Manila, even though the SONA will take place at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City.
Last Monday, the PNP reported no observed threats to President Marcos’ SONA. This announcement followed Vice President Sara Duterte’s declaration that she would be the “designated survivor” and would not attend the ceremony.
The PNP has committed around 22,000 police officers to secure the event. Additionally, the National Capital Region (NCR) implemented a gun ban starting Saturday, July 20, which will remain in effect until midnight on Monday, July 22.
In preparation for the SONA, President Marcos instructed the House of Representatives to accommodate all attendees. The session hall, with a capacity of 2,000, will be supplemented by multiple function rooms and additional seating to manage the overflow.
As part of heightened security measures, the Batasang Pambansa was placed under lockdown on Saturday and will remain so until Tuesday, July 23.
