MANILA: A nationwide ban on carrying firearms outside residences, along with no-fly and no-drone zones in selected areas, will take effect on Monday, July 27, as part of security measures for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address.
In a statement on Wednesday, the National Capital Region Police Office said its security preparations included intensified intelligence monitoring, route and perimeter security, contingency planning and the deployment of Quick Reaction Teams, Explosive Ordnance Disposal units, SWAT teams and medical response units.
“Additional measures include the implementation of a No Fly Zone/No Drone Zone over designated areas and the nationwide suspension of Permits to Carry Firearms Outside Residence on July 27, further strengthening the overall security posture,” it said.
The NCRPO earlier said it would deploy 21,261 police officers as part of the security operation, with Metro Manila police placed on full alert from 5pm on July 24.
Roads around the Batasang Pambansa Complex, where Marcos will deliver his address to Congress, will also be temporarily closed.
The NCRPO advised motorists travelling northbound from Quezon Memorial Circle to Fairview to use North Avenue, Mindanao Avenue, Sauyo Road or Quirino Highway before rejoining Commonwealth Avenue.
Those travelling southbound from Fairview to Quezon Memorial Circle may use Commonwealth Avenue, Sauyo Road or Quirino Highway, Mindanao Avenue and North Avenue.
Apart from the Batasang Pambansa Complex, the NCRPO will also deploy officers to major thoroughfares, transport terminals, border control points and rally zones across Metro Manila.
They will be supported by 3,000 standby personnel from police regional offices in the Cagayan Valley, Mimaropa and Bicol regions.
“Regular anti-criminality operations and police visibility will continue without interruption to ensure that public safety remains stable throughout the region,” the NCRPO said.
Police Regional Office Central Luzon director Brig Gen Jess Mendez said an additional 1,500 police officers would be deployed to help secure the Mendiola area and Ayala Bridge near Malacañang. – Inquirer/ANN
