Manila, July 26 -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Saturday confirmed that security preparations are in place for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, and three groups have been granted permits to stage protest rallies.

In a radio interview, PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said permits were issued to militant group Bayan, which will hold a rally near St. Peter's Church on Commonwealth Avenue; Tindig Pilipinas, which requested space in White Plains; and a pro-administration group, allowed to gather near the Sandiganbayan building, also on Commonwealth Avenue.

"We are coordinating with them to ensure they police their own ranks and avoid any unnecessary friction," Fajardo said. ...