PNP suspends firearm permits, deploys 28K police for Marcos' SONA

The Philippine National Police (PNP) announced on Friday that all permits to carry firearms outside of residence would be suspended from midnight until 11:59 p.m. on July 22 to ensure security during President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s third State of the Nation Address.

Around 22,000 police personnel will be deployed for overall SONA security, with an additional 6,000 near the Batasang Pambansa Complex where Marcos will deliver his address.

Progressive groups plan to march and engage in protest activities during the SONA, prompting the PNP chief Police General Rommel Marbil to appeal for minimal public inconvenience.

The House of Representatives has been instructed by President Marcos to accommodate everyone who wants to attend the SONA, with more than 2,000 individuals from various sectors expressing interest.

To manage the increased attendance, additional seats will be added in and several function rooms opened within the Batasang Pambansa starting July 19, when a lockdown will begin for security measures.