PCG starts patrolling Manila Bay, Pasig River to secure Marcos' inauguration

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Monday said it has started patrolling Manila Bay and Pasig River as part of security measures for the inauguration of President-elect Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr. on June 30.

“Nagsimula na 'yung aming inisyal na pagpapatrol dito sa karagatan ng Manila Bay. Dito sa Pasig River, meron na tayong naka-post. Magfu-full blast tayo ng mga personnel sa pagde-deploy ngayong Martes, bukas,” PCG spokesperson Commodore Armand Balilo said in an interview on GMA News’ Unang Balita.

(We have started our initial patrolling over the waters of Manila Bay. Over Pasig River, we already posted some personnel. The deployment of our personnel will be on full blast on Tuesday, tomorrow.)

He added that three multi-role response vessels (MRRVs) will be deployed in alternate shifts.

The PCG earlier said it will enforce a no-sail zone on June 30 at a portion of the Pasig River near Malacañang. Lieutenant Commander Michael Encina said the closure of the Malacañang Restricted Area will be from the Hospicio de San Jose up to Pureza in Santa Mesa, Manila.

Meanwhile, the Manila Police District (MPD) on Monday said they are now auditing the available personnel and resources that can be deployed for Marcos’ inauguration.

MPD spokesperson Police Major Philipp Ines said a gun ban in Metro Manila already took effect on Monday, June 27, to last until July 2.

Asked about reports of alleged threats to the oath-taking event, Ines said the police are validating and assessing them.

Philippine National Police spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo however on Sunday said the PNP had not monitored any security threats to the inauguration of Marcos.

Ines said the Manila city government has not issued permits yet for protests set for June 30. He asked protesters to skip staging rallies on that day.

“Nakikiusap po kami sa kanila na kung maaari, kung puwede, ipagpaliban na muna nila ‘yan (We are appealing to protesters to cancel rallies, if possible)," he said in an interview on Unang Balita.

He also reminded motorists that some roads will be closed to traffic as part of security measures for Marcos’ inauguration. —KG, GMA News