Friday, February 29, 2008 Military: Strict security for Arroyo just procedure
THE recent trip of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to Davao City on Wednesday was observed as having the strictest and widest security blanket among the many visits she made to the city in the past.
Many observed that the recent visit utilized more military and police personnel, excluding the warm bodies from the barangay in Sirawan that she first visited after her arrival, than any other visits.
Two military helicopters were also seen hovering above the presidential convoy while it was on its way to Sirawan Wednesday morning.
In the AFP-PNP Press Corps forum at the Task Force Davao headquarters Thursday morning, Lieutenant General Cardoso Luna however clarified that the security measures implemented during the President's visit were but part of the "standard operating procedure" whenever a VIP visits the city.
He said this is regardless of the presence or absence of threat against the VIP, especially the President or any head of state.
Luna said the "air cover" of two helicopters on the Presidential convoy is also done if the President decides to travel by land and if it takes more than 30 minutes for the convoy to travel.
It was learned that Manila policemen were even seen along with the Presidential Security Group. A police officer with a "Manila's Finest" patch on his uniform was seen with the Presidential convoy.
Luna said the police officer is part of the PSG that is usually composed of not just Army officers but also operatives of the police and military units.
He also denied insinuations that the "air cover" was made because Sirawan is a known Muslim area. (BOT)
