PNP to deploy over 20,000 cops for Marcos’ 5th Sona

Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. (Photo from PNP / Facebook) MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Sunday said over 20,000 personnel will be deployed to ensure the peaceful and orderly conduct of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fifth state of the nation address (Sona) on July 27, 2026. According to the PNP in a statement, a total of 20,229 law enforcers will be deployed to implement its comprehensive security preparations. READ: PNP: Final readiness checks underway for Marcos’ fifth Sona Article continues after this advertisement “The deployment reflects the PNP’s dual objective of securing the Sona while ensuring that police services remain uninterrupted in communities across Metro Manila,” the PNP said. Among the deployment, 5,904 personnel have been designated to sustain anti-criminality and other police operations, ensuring continuous police visibility, crime prevention, and emergency response even as security measures for the Sona are intensified. Meanwhile, 2,345 personnel have been assigned to the House of Representatives, which will serve as the main venue of the president’s address. Additional personnel, on the other hand, will be positioned in designated staging areas, major thoroughfares, transport hubs, checkpoints, emergency response units, public assistance stations, as well as other key convergence areas. This is to maintain public order, facilitate traffic management, and provide immediate assistance before, during, and after the event. Article continues after this advertisement PNP chief PGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said that the organization is fully prepared to carry out its mandate with professionalism, discipline and respect for rights. “This is not just about the security of the Sona. What is important is that police services continue to be provided to our communities as we ensure that this event is held peacefully and in an orderly manner,” he noted. Article continues after this advertisement “We want every Filipino to feel safe—whether they are attending the event, going to work, or simply carrying on with their daily lives,” he added. /apl Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful. Visit our Sona 2025 live coverage to stay updated with the latest #SONA2025 news and stories.