No threats monitored during SONA: AFP

July 22, 2019

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said there were no untoward incident recorded within the area where President Rodrigo Duterte delivered his fourth State of the Nation Address ( SONA) on Monday.

"The 4th State Of the Nation Address of President and Commander-in-Chief Rodrigo Duterte has been delivered. So far, on the part of the AFP, there was no reported untoward incident inside and outside the Session Hall where Senators and Congressional Representatives hold a joint session," said Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo, AFP spokesman.

"The weeks of security planning, preparations, coordinations, and rehearsals paid off," he added.

Arevalo said "AFP Chief General Benjamin Madrigal Jr. commends the officers, men, and women of Joint Task Force NCR under the command of Brigadier General Cristobal Zaragoza and the ready force contingents from the Army, Air Force , Navy, and Marines for their hard work and sacrifices that led to the success of this historic event in our nation’s history."

As part of his SONA, Duterte stressed needed support to strengthen the "defense-related system" which includes revival of the mandatory Reserve Officers Training Corps. (ROTC). Robina Asido/DMS