By Katrina Gracia Consebido
The Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Wednesday, June 29, that its forces are all prepared for the inauguration of President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday, June 30.
PNP Director for Operations MGen. Valeriano de Leon said they already had their security dry run and dress rehearsal for the civic military parade.
“Iyong ating civic military parade ay nakapag-practice na. Iyon namang multi-agency command center natin ay well-represented na, so we can communicate there. Ako naman po ay tutungo doon in a while to oversee the final practice and inspect our troops on the ground,” he said.
The police official said they estimate around 1,200 to 1,500 attendees who can be accommodated at the National Museum near the stage area.
The general viewing area is placed in the Intramuros golf area where it can accomodate a total of 300,000 people.
The PNP also placed an additional presidential security group personnel that will be positioned in the different parts of the venue.
“Nagkaroon din tayo ng augmentation sa Presidential Security Group. Initially, we have deployed 6,768 personnel. But on the last briefing, yesterday, we have accounted 9,122 to be positioned in several parts of the National Museum,” he said.
“Just this, to ensure that magkaroon po ng responde ang ating mga kapulisan kung mayroong hindi magandang pangyayari,” he added.
Meanwhile, the PNP named Liwasang Bonifacio, Plaza Miranda, Plaza Moriones, and Plaza Dilao freedom parks as protest venues.
“We also want to address itong mga grupo na gustong magkaroon ng rally to redress their grievance. Ang gusto natin, gawin nila ito sa tamang lugar – ito iyong mga freedom parks… Iyong apat na lugar na iyan ay puwede silang magsagawa ng rally nila diyan at kahit anong gawin nila, kaya nga tinawag na freedom park,” de Leon said.
“But the moment they will step out of the area ay corresponding police response ang ating itutugon para dito. Alam naman natin na the world will be watching us, and we would like to showcase how orderly and how disciplined Filipinos are dito sa ating bansa,” he continued.
He also assured strict implementation of minimum public health protocols during the inauguration for the safety of all attendees.
“Remember that this is one’s responsibility ‘no. While we respect your right to watch this historic event ay ating din pong respetuhin ang karapatan ng ibang manunood. Ayaw sana nating magkaroon ng upsurge nitong pandemya na ito,” he said. – ag
