Malacañang tightens security due to rallies
MANILA, Philippines — Presidential guards and police turned Malacañang complex in Manila into a virtual garrison early Wednesday, barricading roads with container vans and concertina wire ahead of protest rallies against the Arroyo administration.
Radio dzBB's Carlo Mateo reported that heavily armed troops started beefing up security around the Palace at dawn, while anti-riot police kept watch over nearby Mendiola Bridge for possible lightning rallies by militant groups.
In a foretaste of a bigger rally Wednesday against administration lawmakers’ move to change the Philippine Constitution, militant youths on Tuesday sneaked past police and presidential guards to hold a demonstration at Mendiola Bridge — a no-rally zone during weekdays.
Manila police earlier said they will keep watch over key facilities on Wednesday including the United States Embassy, the Supreme Court and the Department of Justice.
Task Force Manila Shield was activated Wednesday, with police all over Metro Manila on heightened alert.
Philippine National Police spokesman Senior Superintendent Leonardo Espina said 15,000 police personnel will be on standby to maintain peace and order.
Espina also said checkpoints have been set up at the North and South Luzon Expressways to "inspect" jeeps carrying participants from the provinces.
Meanwhile, the military in Metro Manila went on red alert effective 7 a.m. to assist the police in maintaining peace and order during the rally.
Also on alert is the military's anti-coup unit, the radio report said. - GMANews.TV
Radio dzBB's Carlo Mateo reported that heavily armed troops started beefing up security around the Palace at dawn, while anti-riot police kept watch over nearby Mendiola Bridge for possible lightning rallies by militant groups.
In a foretaste of a bigger rally Wednesday against administration lawmakers’ move to change the Philippine Constitution, militant youths on Tuesday sneaked past police and presidential guards to hold a demonstration at Mendiola Bridge — a no-rally zone during weekdays.
Manila police earlier said they will keep watch over key facilities on Wednesday including the United States Embassy, the Supreme Court and the Department of Justice.
Task Force Manila Shield was activated Wednesday, with police all over Metro Manila on heightened alert.
Philippine National Police spokesman Senior Superintendent Leonardo Espina said 15,000 police personnel will be on standby to maintain peace and order.
Espina also said checkpoints have been set up at the North and South Luzon Expressways to "inspect" jeeps carrying participants from the provinces.
Meanwhile, the military in Metro Manila went on red alert effective 7 a.m. to assist the police in maintaining peace and order during the rally.
Also on alert is the military's anti-coup unit, the radio report said. - GMANews.TV
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