PNP to activate Manila Shield for SONA

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) will activate Task Force Manila Shield to secure the second State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 24.

PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. yesterday assured the public of a calibrated response in their preparations to maintain peace and order during the SONA.

“Everything will be done in a manner that our response or actions will be calibrated,” he told reporters in a mix of English and Filipino.

At least 22,000 state security forces and force multipliers will secure Marcos’ second public address.

Col. Jean Fajardo, PNP spokesperson, said the implementation of Task Force Manila Shield will secure not only the Batasang Pambansa complex but also other areas in Metro Manila.

“We make sure that our regular beat patrol will not be compromised,” she said.

Once Task Force Manila Shield is activated, the PNP will conduct security operations to address various threats. Among these measures is the establishment of checkpoints inside and outside Metro Manila.

Also included is the deployment of personnel in government offices and other vital installations.

Fajardo urged demonstrators to use the Quezon Memorial Circle, a designated freedom park, for their mass actions for the SONA instead of occupying Commonwealth Avenue, which is considered a major thoroughfare.

Under review

Meanwhile, newly installed National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Brig. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said yesterday he plans to “review and recraft” police operations, specifically in the management of security operations and recurring activities, including the annual SONA.

For this year’s SONA, he said he has to check and review the security preparations so far, particularly contingency measures.

“We still have two weeks and our plan is on the go. I still need to check it to see to it that it has been rehearsed,” Nartatez said in an interview.

The NCRPO earlier said there will be a “strike force” that will provide additional forces if needed.

Police will secure areas around the venue and set up 31 entry and exit points around Metro Manila. — Daphne Galvez