THE POLICE are stepping up security preparations around the country ahead of the Independence Day celebrations on June 12.
Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Raul M. Bacalzo said Special Action Forces and Regional Public Safety Battalions, along with other tactical police units, have been tapped to secure simultaneous activities in observance of the 113th anniversary of the country’s independence.
“I have already directed all troops to be alert, and thwart possible terrorist attacks in the aftermath of the death of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden,” Bacalzo said in a statement.
Bin Laden was killed by US forces in Pakistan early this month, prompting the raising of alert levels in many countries for possible retaliatory attacks by his followers. Al-Qaida has ties to regional and local terrorist organizations.
“The PNP will deploy all necessary security forces in order to ensure a safe and orderly conduct of the annual Independence day celebrations,” Bacalzo said.
Bacalzo has ordered increased police patrols and checkpoints. Special civil disturbance contingents will be deployed in places where Independence Day programs will be held, PNP spokesperson Agrimero Cruz said.
President Aquino is expected to lead the Independence Day rites at Rizal Park in Manila.
Simultaneous events will be held in historical places such as the Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite; Barasoain Church in Malolos City, Bulacan; Mausoleo de los Veteranos de la Revolucion, Manila North Cemetery; Gat Andres Bonifacio Monument in Caloocan City; Pinaglaban Memorial Shrine in San Juan City; and the Pamintuan Mansion in Angeles City.
Similar activities, including a jobs and livelihood fair, will be held in cities and towns all over the country.
The PNP itself will showcase its frontline services and accomplishments during the traditional civic military parade at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila.
Thomas warns terrorists
Meanwhile, the US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas Jr. yesterday said the recent death of Bin Laden marked an “important victory for all who want to live in peace, security and dignity.”
Thomas, speaking during yesterday’s US Memorial Day rites at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial (MACM) in Taguig City, echoed US warnings to terrorist groups that “there will be relentless efforts to bring you to justice.”
Later in an interview, Thomas commended the Philippine government for doing its part in the global campaign against terrorism.
Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff, Gen. Eduardo Oban Jr., said the Philippine military was conducting “continuous operations” against the Abu Sayyaf terror group in Mindanao, and hinted at the recent arrest in Mindanao of a suspected Southeast Asian terrorist leader. He said this was a “little victory in our war against terrorism”, but declined to provide details.
Thomas paid tribute to Americans and Filipinos who had died in the battle against terrorism. He mentioned Sgt. Dana Kramer, a Filipino–American serving in the US Army who was killed early this year by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan.”
Kramer was “posthumously awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, the Nato and Meritorious Service Medals for her actions, before being laid to rest in the Philippines early this year,” Thomas said.
US troops have been providing training, weapons and intelligence to Filipino soldiers battling the Abu Sayyaf since 2002. At least four American soldiers and civilians have been killed by terrorists in the country’s southern region in the last 10 years.