Police in Metro Manila are on heightened alert status for the separate inaugurations of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte in Malacañang and Vice President-elect Leni G. Robredo in Quezon City today.
The Philippine National Police has created a special task force aimed at ensuring the peaceful inaugurations of Duterte and Robredo.
“Task Force Panunumpa shall ensure safe, peaceful, and orderly conduct of the inaugurations of the President and Vice President with support of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and other government agencies,” said PNP spokesman Chief Supt. Wilben Mayor.
“Task Force Panunumpa” is headed by Deputy Director General Francisco Uyami and Director Joel D. Pagdilao, head of the National Capital Region Police Office.
Mayor said they also tapped the services of other top police officers in providing security at the inauguration sites and for the guests at the two separate events.
“The task force shall also secure government facilities and protect people from any acts of terrorism,” said Mayor.
Part of the measures, according to him, is the sustained conduct of Civil Disturbance management operations near the inauguration sites and other areas where protesters usually converge.
While the event in Malacanang will be primarily be secured by the Presidential Security Group, Mayor said police forces such as the Highway Patrol Group, will serve as augmentation forces especially for any eventuality.
“Right now we are on heightened alert, this was already disseminated to our commanders,” said Mayor.
Under heightened alert status, at least 50 percent of policemen and other resources in very police units must be present. (Aaron B. Recuenco)