Dennis Gasgonia

Article (news)

Lyza Aquino

ABS-CBN News

MANILA — Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief General Melencio Nartatez Jr. said more than 20,000 police officers will be deployed for the upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.Nartatez made the statement during an ambush interview at the launch of the Intensified Unified 911 Campaign for Resilience Month in Pasay City on Wednesday evening.The PNP chief said police visibility is already being maintained, particularly in Metro Manila, where around 24,000 officers are on the streets, conduct investigations, and secure activities.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/7/21/pnp-factors-vp-impeachment-trial-inc-gathering-into-sona-security-plan-1351">PNP factors VP impeachment trial, Iglesia ni Cristo gathering into SONA security plan</a></div>For the SONA, Nartatez said the police have already begun preparations for the security plan, taking into consideration lessons from previous events and the fact that the country is also hosting Association of Southeast Asian Nations activities.“And it is not only the police that are involved in maintaining peace and involved in ensuring that the activity will be peaceful,&quot; he said.The police are working with jail and fire personnel as well as with other law enforcement agencies, he said.According to Nartatez, the security plan was already being discussed around six months ago.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/7/20/marcos-5th-sona-to-be-simple-but-dignified-palace-1557">Marcos 5th SONA to be &#x27;simple but dignified&#x27;—Palace</a></div>The deployment will begin three days before the SONA and will continue after the event.“We will deploy not less than 20,000 three days before and even extending after the conduct of SONA,” Nartatez said.He clarified that the deployment will include contingency plans and will ensure that enough personnel remain in police stations to respond to regular police concerns.Asked about protesters who may join rallies without a permit, Nartatez said police would continue to observe maximum tolerance while ensuring public safety and peace and order.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/7/22/remulla-pnp-adopts-new-strategy-to-track-dela-rosa-1822">Remulla: PNP adopts new strategy to track Dela Rosa</a></div>

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief General Melencio Nartatez Jr. said more than 20,000 police officers will be deployed for the upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief General Melencio Nartatez Jr. said more than 20,000 police officers will be deployed for the upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

PNP chief says over 20,000 cops to be deployed for SONA security

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PNP chief says over 20,000 cops to be deployed for SONA security

Lyza Aquino,

ABS-CBN News

Published July 22, 2026 09:06 PM PHT

Read More:

PNP chief Melencio Nartatez Jr

Pasay City

SONA preparations

Security

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