The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) will implement a nationwide ban on carrying firearms outside of residences and enforce no-fly and no-drone zones on Monday, July 27. These security measures are set for President Marcos’ fifth State of the Nation Address (Sona), backed by a deployment of over 21,000 police officers across Metro Manila.
Security Deployment and Operational Status
Beginning at 5 p.m. on July 24, the Metro police will shift to a full alert status, according to the NCRPO. The security plan involves the mobilization of 21,261 police officers tasked with securing the Batasang Pambansa Complex and surrounding areas. The operation is supported by an additional 3,000 personnel on standby from police regional offices in the Bicol, Mimaropa, and Cagayan Valley regions.
Brig. Gen. Jess Mendez, director of the Police Regional Office Central Luzon, confirmed that an additional 1,500 officers will be deployed to secure the Mendiola area and Ayala Bridge near Malacañang. The NCRPO stated that these units—including Quick Reaction Teams, Explosive Ordnance Disposal units, SWAT, and medical response teams—will maintain regular anti-criminality operations throughout the region to ensure public safety remains stable.
Traffic Advisory and Road Closures
The NCRPO has announced temporary road closures around the Batasang Pambansa Complex to facilitate the event. Motorists traveling northbound from Quezon Memorial Circle to Fairview are advised to utilize North Avenue, Mindanao Avenue, Sauyo Road, or Quirino Highway to rejoin Commonwealth Avenue.
For those traveling southbound from Fairview toward Quezon Memorial Circle, the NCRPO suggests using Commonwealth Avenue, Sauyo Road, Quirino Highway, Mindanao Avenue, or North Avenue. These routes are intended to manage the flow of traffic as security forces secure major thoroughfares, transport terminals, and designated rally zones.
Anticipated Security Posture
The suspension of Permits to Carry Firearms Outside Residence is a strategic move to strengthen the security posture for the Sona. By restricting aerial movement through no-fly and no-drone zones and increasing intelligence monitoring, authorities aim to mitigate potential security risks. While the police have focused on perimeter and route security, the scale of the deployment suggests that officials may be preparing for a high-traffic event with significant public presence. Observers may expect continued traffic disruptions and heightened police visibility across the capital until the conclusion of the address.
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