Palace defends tight security for Magdalo hearing

Malacañang on Tuesday defended the tight security measures around Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV and the Magdalo soldiers during the resumption of their trial at the Makati City Regional Trial Court for the 2003 Oakwood mutiny. Radio dzEC reported that Presidential Spokesman Ignacio Bunye said there was no overkill in Tuesday's security arrangements since the Magdalo group had shown they are capable of staging a walkout like the one last November 29. Bunye noted that the priority of authorities is to make sure justice takes its course. Critics earlier said the security measures Tuesday, including more than 1,000 policemen and soldiers, was an overkill. Since early morning, Trillanes and company were handcuffed to one police escort each, and were made to board Coaster-type buses escorted by police vehicles and an armored personnel carrier. Media were also kept away from the Magdalos during and after the hearing. - GMANews.TV