Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. on Tuesday said no security threats have been identified so far in connection with President Marcos' second State of the Nation Address (SONA) next month.
In an interview with DZRH’s Damdaming Bayan, Acorda said that they are following a SONA template and have prepared for it, depending on the intelligence report for any adjustments.
"Mayroon na tayong template na sinusunod kapag SONA. Definitely, we are prepared for this. Depende na sa paparating na intelligence report kung may adjustment," he said.
He added that the PNP has already created Task Force SONA, in which National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director Maj. Gen. Edgar Alan Okubo will serve as the commander to map out strategies to ensure the event's safety and security.
To confirm the security threats, the PNP chief stated that they have yet to receive reports about it, but the PNP is expecting the worst and hoping for the best.
"Wala pa naman po tayong natatanggap na reports na ganoon [manggugulo]. Pero gaya ng lagi naming ginagawa, we expect the worst and hope for the best," he explained.
Acorda further explained that they will adopt maximum tolerance, but will make sure that the people’s rights are respected, saying, "Kung ano ang karapatan, dapat ipahayag, we will let them air. We will make it sure also na hindi maantala ang karapatan ng ibang tao."
According to the NCRPO, at least 22,081 state security troops and force multipliers will be present to protect Marcos' SONA.
The NCRPO's regional support units, Aviation Security Group, Special Action Force, Joint Task Force NCR, Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Fire Protection, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Office of Civil Defense, Department of Health, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, and the Philippine Red Cross are responsible for up to 4,460 personnel.
Meanwhile, the remaining 500 are made up of volunteers and force multipliers.
Police will patrol the area surrounding the Batasang Pambansa complex in Quezon City, where Marcos will deliver his speech. Okubo stated that 31 border check sites will be established at entry and exit locations around Metro Manila.
Acorda has promised members of cause-oriented groups that will protest during the SONA that police personnel will exercise maximum tolerance and respect their right to free expression.
