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Monday, September 15, 2003
US Pres. Bush to land in Clark
By Minerva Zamora-Arceo
SAN FERNANDO -- The most powerful man in the world, US President George W. Bush, will arrive first at the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) in Clark on October 18, marking his eight-hour visit to the Philippines.
Gen. Rodolfo Garcia, Armed Forces vice chief of staff, announced recently that the DMIA arrival is part of the government's elaborate security plan on Bush's state visit.
In an interview Saturday, DMIA general manager Bienvenido Manga confirmed the reports saying that Jim Pantig, Clark Development Corp. (CDC) vice president for business development, is working in close coordination with palace representatives on the proposed security plan.
However, Manga said talks are still being finalized, begging off on providing details of the initial plan.
Earlier, Central Luzon police head Vidal Querol said they were ordered to secure the vicinity of the Clark Special Economic Zone (CSEZ) against threats of insurgency and possible local terrorists.
Querol also said that roads and entry points leading to Clark would also be closely monitored while a sufficient number of policemen would be deployed in strategic areas in the region to ensure Bush's safety.
To date, Central Luzon remains the top area where suspected communist rebels and insurgents operate.
In Pampanga alone, several communist and socialist groups are reported to have started mobilizing their members for possible launching of a series of protests against the Philippine government's alliance with US.
Bush is expected to stay at the Malacaņang Palace and have a dialogue with President Arroyo prior to his visit at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Summit in Bangkok, Thailand.
(September 14, 2003 issue)
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