At least 100 policemen are currently being deployed at the Libingan ng Mga Bayani (LNMB) in Taguig City everyday as tension is still high over the surprise burial of former President Ferdinand Marcos.
Senior Supt. Tomas Apolinario, director of the Southern Police District (SPD), said the move is to ensure peace and order in the area not only against anti-Marcos groups but also to the pro-Marcos groups visiting the tomb of the ousted dictator.
“It’s a sacred place so the LNMB management, they want to see that the entry of those who want to visit is organized because a lot of people are going there,” said Apolinario in a press briefing at Camp Crame.
The official justified the deployment, saying it is all for the assistance of hundreds of people who go to the LNMB on a daily basis.
At one point since the November 18 burial, he said some 3,000 people went to the LNMB which means additional deployment to assist their entry and exit.
Apolinario said they have been deploying 100 policemen on a regular basis but he was quick to clarify that the cops are being pulled out as soon as the LNMB closes.
“LNMB is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. so before 6 a.m. police presence is already there,” said Apolinario.
“There are no more deployment after the closing, unless of course there are protest actions that need mobilization, rapid deployment,” he added. (Aaron Recuenco)