Gun ban extended in Metro Manila for three days before Marcos Jr.'s SONA

The gun ban in Metro Manila has been extended from one day to three days ahead of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s third State of the Nation Address (SONA), effective from 12:01 a.m. on July 20 until 12:01 a.m. on July 23.

The Permit to Carry Firearms Outside of Residence (PTCFOR) will be suspended in Metro Manila starting at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, July 20, until 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, July 23.

Around 22,000 police personnel will be deployed for security during the SONA, with approximately 6,000 officers focusing on securing the Batasang Pambansa Complex.

Progressive groups plan to march and protest during the SONA, prompting the PNP chief to appeal for minimal public inconvenience.

To accommodate attendees, the House of Representatives announced plans to add seats and open function rooms beyond the usual 2,000 seating capacity in the session hall.