GOVERNMENT security agencies conducted simulation exercises for the conduct of security operations for the inauguration of incoming President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Thursday, June 30, 2022.
Police forces, military troops and members of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) are continuously conducting preparations to ensure peace and order, as well as the security for the upcoming event, which will be held at the National Museum of the Philippines in Manila City.
“Almost 100 percent na po yang ating security preparations para nga po sa nalalapit na inauguration po ni president elect BBM sa Thursday. Kung meron man pong minor adjustment ay yun na lang po ‘yung magiging situation on the ground come Thursday po,” Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Colonel Jean Fajardo said on Monday, June 27, 2022.
Fajardo said the preparations include the traffic flow especially for the convoy carrying the VIPs and other event guests.
As of Sunday, June 26, several roads in the vicinity of the venue have been closed to traffic as part of security measures.
These roads, which include the Padre Burgos Avenue, Finance Road and Maria Orosa Street from TM Kalaw to Padre Burgos General Luna Street from Padre Burgos-Muralla Street, will be closed until 11 p.m. of June 30.
From 4 a.m. of June 30 to 11 p.m., the Ayala Boulevard and Victoria Street from Taft Avenue to Muralla Street will also be closed to traffic.
The Metro Manila Development Authority said 2,000 traffic personnel will be deployed in the vicinity of the National Museum to guide the motorists.
The PNP-Highway Patrol Group will also deploy their personnel in the affected areas.
Meanwhile, the PCG has also started the conduct of patrolling in the Manila Bay and Pasig River.
PCG spokesperson Commodore Armand Balilo said multi-role response vessels will also be deployed in the area particularly for the enforcement of the no-sail zone.
The PCG said the no-sail zone will be implemented at the portion of the Pasig River near the Malacañang area.
Security forces said they have yet to receive any imminent threat against the event aside from the possible conduct of protest actions.
Fajardo said groups have yet to secure permit to rally from the government of Manila.
PNP director for operations Major General Valeriano de Leon, however, reminded protesters that there are three freedom parks in Manila -- the Plaza Miranda, Plaza Dilao and Liwasang Bonifacio where they can hold their programs without the need for a permit.
Since freedom parks have already been designated for the protesters, De Leon is hopeful that they will no longer insist on assembling near the National Museum inauguration site.
"As stated previously, we respect the right of every individual and group to assemble and express their grievances. However, this right is not absolute. There are some limitations that must also be observed, especially if the activities would already infringe on the rights of others in terms of inconveniences and issues relating to peace and order," he said.
“We will exercise maximum tolerance, but we would also like to appeal to them to police their own ranks and ensure that they will not disturb the peace and order in the course of their planned activities,” he added.
De Leon said the golf course in front of the National Museum, which may accommodate 25,000 to 30,000 individuals will be designated for Marcos’ supporters.
He said big LED TVs will be set up near the venue, including the supporters’ area so that they can witness the inauguration live. (SunStar Philippines)