Elaborate SONA security preparations paid off – PNP chief

PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. credited the maintenance of peace and order during the second State of the Nation Address of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. last Monday to the elaborate security preparations and collaborative efforts between the police, other key security agencies and local government units.

Assessing the security operations during the SONA, Acorda said despite a number of protest actions and public assemblies held by militant groups in some parts of Metro Manila and other provinces, no untoward incident happened.

“Everything took place according to our plans,” the PNP chief said. “We made sure that the President was secured along with all the participants in the event.”

An adequate number of police forces were on duty to provide security and police assistance in all areas of engagement, Acorda pointed out.

He said police and security personnel strictly observed maximum tolerance even after protesters burned effigies and staged illegal assemblies that obstructed traffic.

No arrests were made.

Philippine National Police Chief Benjamin Acorda visits the Civil Disturbance Unit (CDU) in Tandang Sora, Quezon City before going to the House of Representatives to attend the 2nd State of the Nation Address of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday, July 24, 2023. PHOTO BY MIKE DE JUAN

“We made sure to exercise maximum tolerance towards the rallyists without putting the overall security protocols for the SONA in jeopardy,” Acorda said.

“Overall, we can say that the early preparations and coordination made this event a successful one,” he added.

Acorda commended all deployed personnel and all other agencies, including volunteers, who helped in the maintenance of peace and order for a “job well done”

The PNP chief also lauded National Capital Region Police Office chief and Task Force Commander Brig. Gen Jose Melecio Nartatez Jr. for his leadership before and during the event.

“This mission is a testament to our personnel's professionalism and their dedication. They exceeded all our expectations, needless to say,” Acorda said. “The PNP is duty-bound to protect our people at all times. We will continue to do so while at the same time being mindful of the constitutionally guaranteed right of those who want to ventilate their grievances in a peaceful way.”