No security threats seen for BBM’s SONA

MANILA, Philippines — There are no security threats so far related to the second State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Marcos next month.

Citing intelligence reports, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. said yesterday they have not monitored threats targeting Marcos’ SONA.

“As of now we have not received reports,” he said in a mix of Filipino and English during a dzRH interview.

Acorda said they will not let their guard down even if there are no reported threats.

The PNP has created Task Force SONA, which is headed by National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director Maj. Gen. Edgar Alan Okubo, who is in charge of mapping out strategies to ensure the safety and security of the event.

The NCRPO said at least 22,081 state security forces and force multipliers will secure Marcos’ SONA.

Up to 4,460 personnel are from 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.

The remaining 500 are from volunteer groups and force multipliers.

Police will secure areas around the Batasang Pambansa complex in Quezon City, where Marcos will deliver his public address.

Okubo said 31 border control points will be set up in entry and exit points around Metro Manila.

Acorda has assured members of cause-oriented groups who will hold demonstrations during the SONA that police officers will observe maximum tolerance and respect their right to freedom of expression.

“But we will make sure that other people’s rights are also respected,” he said.