No security threat at President Marcos’ SONA – PNP

MANILA, Philippines — No security threat has been monitored in connection with the third State of the Nation Address of President Marcos, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said yesterday, after Vice President Sara Duterte’s pronouncement that she is the “designated survivor” and would thus skip the SONA.

With all security measures in place, PNP public information officer Col. Jean Fajardo said there is nothing to worry about when Marcos delivers his address at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City on July 22.

Duterte’s remarks of being the designated survivor drew flak from different sectors as it hints at scenarios of a possible mass casualty event which could sow fear among the public. 

In the United States, a designated survivor is a person in the presidential line of succession who is kept at an undisclosed location from other officials who are gathered during a public event such as a State of the Union Address.

The move is to ensure continuity in the presidency if the president, vice president and others in the line of succession are killed in a terror attack or other catastrophic events.

Even if they have not monitored any threat, Fajardo said the PNP remains on guard to thwart any attempt to disrupt the SONA.

Intelligence gathering and monitoring are ongoing by all security forces, particularly the Armed Forces of the Philippines, she added.

Over 22,000 police officers will secure the SONA, with 6,000 to be deployed at the vicinity of the Batasang Pambansa Complex.

To beef up its security coverage, the PNP will activate Task Force Manila Shield before the SONA. Once activated, police units will conduct security operations to address various threats.

Among these is the deployment of policemen in government offices and other vital installations. Checkpoints in Metro Manila and nearby provinces will also be set up.

The PNP will impose a gun ban in Metro Manila which would take effect from 12:01 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on July 22. All permits to carry firearms outside residence are suspended during the period.

Drones are also prohibited near the venue. 

Anti-government protesters are prohibited from holding rallies near Batasang Pambansa, Fajardo said. Activists can hold their programs along Commonwealth Avenue at the corner of Tandang Sora Avenue and designated freedom parks.

Fajardo reminded demonstrators police officers will not hesitate to arrest them if they burn effigies, which she said violates Batas Pambansa 880 or the Public Assembly Act.