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MANILA, Philippines — A nationwide ban on gun owners carrying firearms outside their residences, in addition to a no-fly and no-drone zones in selected areas, will be enforced on Monday, July 27, as part of security measures being implemented by the police for President Marcos’ fifth State of the Nation Address (Sona).
In a statement on Wednesday, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said that its security preparations include intensified intelligence monitoring, route and perimeter security, contingency planning as well as the deployment of Quick Reaction Teams, Explosive Ordnance Disposal units, SWAT and medical response teams.
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“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 added.
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The NCRPO earlier said it will be deploying 21,261 police officers as part of security measures with the Metro police to go on full alert status starting at 5 p.m. on July 24.
Road closures
Roads around the Batasang Pambansa Complex, where Marcos will deliver his Sona to Congress, will also be temporarily closed.
READ: Sona 2026: Safer Philippines? Assessing Marcos’ security agenda
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“Motorists traveling northbound from Quezon Memorial Circle to Fairview may take North Avenue, Mindanao Avenue, Sauyo Road, or Quirino Highway before rejoining Commonwealth Avenue,” the NCRPO said in an advisory.
“Those traveling southbound from Fairview to Quezon Memorial Circle may take Commonwealth Avenue, Sauyo Road or Quirino Highway, Mindanao Avenue, and North Avenue,” it added.
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Aside from the Batasang Pambansa complex where the House of Representatives is located, the NCRPO will also deploy police 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 Cagayan Valley, Mimaropa and Bicol regions.
“Regular anticriminality operations and police visibility will continue without interruption to ensure that public safety remains stable throughout the region,” the NCRPO said.
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In an interview with reporters at Camp Crame later on Wednesday, Police Regional Office Central Luzon director Brig. Gen. Jess Mendez said they will deploy an additional 1,500 police officers to help secure the Mendiola area and Ayala Bridge, which are near Malacañang. /cb