QUEZON CITY, — The Quezon City government said it is finalizing security and safety measures for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Batasan Complex in Quezon City on July 22.
Mayor Joy Belmonte said more than 6,500 local security personnel will be deployed in strategic locations throughout in the city to ensure safety and order. This includes staff from the Department of Public Order and Safety, Task Force Disiplina, and local barangay authorities.
The city’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (QCDRRMO) will be on standby to respond to any emergencies. It has beefed up preparations to mobilize emergency response teams which include Emergency Medical Services, Search and Rescue, and Barangay Health Emergency Response teams.
Mayor Belmonte, meanwhile, urged those planning to stage rallies and demonstrations to coordinate with the Department of Public Order and Safety to secure the necessary permits.
She emphasized, “Quezon City remains a bastion of democracy and free speech as we uphold every Filipino’s right to peacefully assemble. However, all rallyists are encouraged to police their ranks and are mandated to follow the law.”
To help ensure there is enough and orderly public transportation during this big event, the local government will deploy QCity buses and barangay service vehicles to provide free rides to the public. (AVS/PIA-NCR)
