PNP: Gun ban imposed in Calabarzon, Central Luzon, NCR on July 24 for SONA 2023

A gun ban is set to be imposed in Calabarzon, Central Luzon, and National Capital Region (NCR) on July 24 in light of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address (SONA). 

Police Colonel Jean Fajardo, Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson, confirmed the information, adding that it will be implemented from 12:01 a.m. on July 24 until 12 midnight, July 25.

“Yes, from 12:01 a.m. July 24 to 12:00 (midnight) July 25,” Fajardo told GMA News Online in a message.

Fajardo said only members of the PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and other law enforcement agencies who are performing official duties and wearing their uniforms will be allowed to carry firearms.

“This is to ensure that the activity will be free from firearm-related incidents and the populace will be safe,” Fajardo said.

Earlier, PNP chief Police General Benjamin Acorda Jr. said they had not received any threats against Marcos’ SONA on July 24.

“With regards to threat assessment, wala tayong nare-receive na threat (we have not received a threat),” Acorda said.

Nevertheless, Acorda said the PNP would still prepare for the event as their personnel were expecting the worst and hoping for the best.

Around 23,000 PNP police officers, including force multipliers, would be deployed to ensure security during Marcos’ SONA, according to Acorda.

He said the PNP had been holding meetings within the organization and coordinating with concerned national agencies and local governments to prepare for the traffic management effort, crowd control, and other duties during the SONA.

In June, the PNP started setting up security measures at the Batasang Pambansa Complex for the SONA.

The PNP prepared a mobile center with a military-grade drone capable of jamming signals and attacking unknown drones. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News