Sona 2026: NCRPO says to enforce ‘maximum tolerance’ for protesters

Inquirer file photo MANILA, Philippines — The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) maintained that it would enforce “maximum tolerance” for protesters who will stage rallies during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address (Sona) this coming Monday, July 27. In a statement on Wednesday, the NCRPO said it was deploying 21,261 personnel for security measures during the president’s address, including 11,196 civil disturbance management personnel in anticipation of protest actions. “All deployed personnel have undergone rigorous operational briefings explicitly emphasizing maximum tolerance, absolute respect for human rights, and the inviolable constitutional right of citizens to peaceful assembly and free expression,” the NCRPO said. Article continues after this advertisement READ: PNP on alert for possible cyber threats ahead of Sona 2026 “Security operations will strictly adhere to the rule of law and Police Operational Procedures, balancing public safety with the total safeguarding of democratic freedoms,” it added. The regional police previously said it was monitoring at least four groups planning to mount rallies during the Sona. READ: Sona 2026: What lies ahead for Marcos in his final 2 years Bayan’s request In a statement last Saturday night, the group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) accused the NCRPO of blocking their request to stage a protest in front of the Saint Peter’s Parish along Commonwealth Avenue, some two kilometers away from the Batasang Pambansa where the Sona will be held. Article continues after this advertisement “Bayan and other anti-corruption advocates have already attended two meetings initiated by the QC (Quezon City) government regarding our letter about our plans for the Sona protest,” the group said. “[But,] no agreement has been finalized due to the refusal of the National Capital Region Police Office to allow rallies in front of Saint Peter’s Parish,” it added. “The NCRPO stance is restrictive, unreasonable, and unjust.” Article continues after this advertisement In a statement later on Saturday night, the NCRPO denied blocking Bayan’s request to stage a rally. “It is clear that NCRPO has no legal authority to grant or deny applications for permits to conduct rallies. Thus, there is no basis in saying that NCRPO is blocking the scheduled protests,” it explained. Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful. “[The] NCRPO respects the constitutional rights to freedom of expression and to peaceful assembly. The presence of the police during rallies, protests and demonstrations is solely to ensure peace and security of the rallyists and the public,” it added. /mcm