MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) will impose a gun ban in Metro Manila from July 22 to 27 to ensure a more secure environment for the first State of the Nation Address (Sona) of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
Marcos will deliver his first Sona on July 25 at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City.
On Thursday, PNP officer-in-charge Lieutenant General Vicente Danao Jr. confirmed that he had approved the temporary gun ban and suspension of permit to carry firearms outside residence (PCTFOR) for the said event.
“Just like what we did on inauguration day, three days before and two days after the actual date, nag-impose tayo ng gun ban. Temporarily, sinuspend muna natin lalo na iyong PCTFOR. Just the same, we will do it,” he said in an ambush interview during the 28th Defense and Sporting Arms Show in Mandaluyong City.
(Just like what we did on inauguration day, three days before and two days after the actual date, we imposed a gun ban. We temporarily suspended the PCTFOR. Just the same, we will do it.)
Danao also reiterated that mass demonstrations would only be permitted in designated freedom parks during Marcos’ Sona.
In Quezon City, protests can be conducted without the need to secure a permit in the following places: UP Diliman campus, compound of the Commission on Human Rights and Quezon Memorial Circle.
READ: PNP to Sona protesters: Give Bongbong Marcos admin a chance
“Same sa pinag-usapan natin nakaraan, hindi naman natin sila pinipigilan sa pag-express ng kanilang mga sentimyento. Pero sabi ko nga, as long na hindi [sila makadulot] ng trapiko, hindi mananakit ng tao at hindi sisirain ang any properties, siguro mas makakabuti kung doon na lang sila sa freedom parks where they can freely express their sentiments if ever,” Danao explained.
(As we’ve discussed, we are not stopping them from expressing their sentiments. But as I said, as long as they don’t cause traffic, hurt people, or damage properties. It would be better for them to stay in freedom parks where they can freely express their sentiments, if ever.)
Danao was asked what the police will do if rallyists go beyond QCMC, “We will prevent them from going nearer para naman hindi ma-disrupt iyong ating SONA on that day.”
(We will prevent them from going nearer, so the SONA won’t be disrupted on that day.)
The National Capital Region Police Office earlier revealed that over 15,000 security personnel would be deployed during Marcos’ Sona.
The Metro Manila shield will also be reactivated by installing 34 security control points along the boundaries near Batasang Pambansa.