President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s second State of the Nation Address (SONA) was marked by a prevailing sense of peace and orderliness, as reported by the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday.
According to the PNP, the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City, along with other locations in Metro Manila and key cities nationwide where mass actions and public assemblies were held, including the transport strike, remained free from any untoward incidents.
“An appropriate number of police personnel were on duty to provide security and police assistance in all areas of engagement and strictly observed the maximum tolerance policy despite some uncalled-for actions by rallyists like burning of effigies and illegal assemblies that obstructed traffic,” PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. said.
He also confirmed that no arrests were made during the events, but those who violated the law would face prosecution to the fullest extent.
“Once again, my congratulations to all deployed personnel for a job well done, and my heartfelt thanks to all other agencies who helped in the maintenance of peace and order. Together, let us build a safer and more secure nation for all,” the chief expressed.
The protest activities saw around 3,000 demonstrators and an additional 1,500 supporters of the Marcos administration being closely monitored since Monday morning.
To ensure security, the PNP deployed approximately 22,000 policemen, who received reinforcement from various government agencies, including the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, the Bureau of Fire Protection, and local government units.
Furthermore, the PNP implemented a 24-hour gun ban in Metro Manila, Central Luzon, and Region 4A as part of the security measures. The gun ban is expected to be lifted at midnight.
