3 days ago
Torre: PNP 'hopes for best, prepares for worst' ahead of SONA 2025
Philippine National Police chief General Nicolas Torre III said they are 'hoping for the best and preparing for the worst' as security preparations continue ahead of the State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday.
Torre made the statement after his charity boxing event in Manila where he was declared as winner by default, shortly before he headed to check on critical points of deployment to ensure the security for President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr.'s fourth SONA at the Batasang Pambasa in Quezon City.
"After this, actually pupunta kami ng Baseco and then after we release the relief goods that we have, pupunta na kami sa areas kung saan ang critical points ng ating deployment sa SONA," Torre said.
The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said more than 20,000 police personnel have been deployed as part of security measures for the annual event.
When asked if the number of deployed cops for the SONA is overkill, Torre responded it is just part of their preparations. The NCRPO said nearly 23,000 police personnel will secure this year's SONA.
"We always respect the opinion of other people. Naniniguro lang tayo, we always hope for the best but we are prepared for the worst," said Torre.
(We are just making sure.)
In a Super Radyo dzBB interview, NCRPO spokesperson Police Major Hazel Asilo also said they have been closely coordinating with the intelligence community as part of their SONA preparations.
Meanwhile, the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said it have traffic management and flood measures in place along Commonwealth Avenue for the SONA. — RF, GMA Integrated News
