Iloilo City police tighten security for Marcos SONA

By Jennifer P. Rendon

The Iloilo City Police Office has finalized its security preparations ahead of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address.

Marcos is scheduled to deliver the annual address before a joint session of Congress at the House of Representatives in Quezon City on Monday, July 27.

Col. Wilbert Parilla, ICPO director, said the city police had mapped out security arrangements to ensure sufficient personnel are deployed across the metropolis.

He said the deployment is intended to maintain a safe, orderly and peaceful environment during one of the country’s most significant national events.

The deployment supports the Philippine National Police’s dual objective of securing activities related to the SONA while ensuring uninterrupted police services across Iloilo City.

Parilla said additional personnel would be strategically stationed at designated staging areas, major thoroughfares and transportation terminals.

Police officers would also be deployed at border control points, checkpoints, emergency response units, public assistance desks and other key convergence areas.

The personnel will maintain public order, manage traffic and provide immediate assistance before, during and after the event.

Parilla said the preparations align with the PNP Focused Agenda, particularly its Enhanced Managing Police Operations pillar.

The approach emphasizes intelligence-driven planning, stronger interagency coordination and a proactive police presence during major national events.

He said security operations would also uphold the constitutional rights of every Filipino.

Parilla assured the public that the ICPO was prepared to carry out its mandate with professionalism, discipline and impartiality.

“We call on everyone to obey the law, cooperate with lawful security measures, and exercise their rights responsibly,” he said.

Parilla said the ICPO would strictly enforce existing laws and local ordinances, including the “No Permit, No Rally” policy.

He said police would remain committed to respecting and protecting the constitutional and human rights of every individual.

Parilla instructed commanders and deployed personnel to remain disciplined, exercise maximum tolerance and demonstrate the highest level of professionalism throughout the security operations.

The ICPO is coordinating with partner government agencies, local government units and other stakeholders on security and traffic management.

The coordination also covers emergency preparedness and other public safety measures aimed at achieving zero major injuries during Marcos’ SONA.