Police on full alert for Marcos’ SONA

By Jennifer P. Rendon and Glazyl M. Jopson

The Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) has placed all units under full alert status ahead of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28.

In a press statement, PRO-6 said it has intensified security measures and operational readiness to ensure peace and order in Western Visayas.

Brig. Gen. Josefino Ligan, Western Visayas police chief, said they are actively monitoring potential threats and enhancing security to safeguard the public.

“While the main security preparations for the SONA are concentrated in Metro Manila, PRO-6 remains proactive in securing our local communities and public spaces,” Ligan said.

“We are fully committed to ensuring that the region remains peaceful and orderly.”

Major Lailyn Sencil, PRO-6 spokesperson, said security coverage for the SONA has been planned well in advance.

She said there will be maximum deployment of police personnel in key areas across the region.

Personnel will be assigned to conduct mobile and foot patrols, man checkpoints, and implement anti-criminality interventions.

She added that civil disturbance management teams will be on standby.

PRO-6 also reminded the public that while the right to freedom of expression is respected, all assemblies must remain peaceful and lawful.

155 COPS TAPPED IN NEGROS

Meanwhile, a total of 155 personnel from the Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) will be deployed to support security operations during President Marcos’ SONA today.

Police Lt. Col. Joem Malong, PRO-NIR spokesperson, said the officers will coordinate with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Bureau of Fire Protection, and other agencies to ensure public safety.

In anticipation of protest actions, especially from left-leaning groups and Communist Front Organizations, the regional police are maintaining a proactive and vigilant stance.

A dedicated task group has been activated to oversee all operational aspects, including intelligence monitoring, crowd control, traffic management, media coordination, and emergency response.

All efforts will be conducted in compliance with human rights standards and the Philippine National Police’s Revised Operational Procedures.

Personnel have been instructed to observe maximum tolerance.

PRO-NIR assured the public that comprehensive security protocols are in place to ensure the event proceeds peacefully and safely.

The Regional Command Center will be on full alert, monitoring real-time updates including body-worn camera feeds to maintain situational awareness.

Police urged the public to stay alert, report suspicious activity, and cooperate with authorities to ensure public safety.

Meanwhile, PRO-NIR formally launched the Joint Focus Legal Action Team (JFLAT) on July 23 to strengthen coordination between law enforcement and legal offices.

JFLAT aims to streamline case-building protocols, enable real-time legal consultation, and improve the accuracy and efficiency of criminal case filings.

It was established as a strategic mechanism to close the gap between police investigations and prosecution efforts.

With JFLAT now active in the region, authorities said the move sends a clear message that justice in Negros Island Region will be coordinated, relentless, and anchored in legal excellence.