Bongbong Marcos-Sara Duterte miting de avance in Iloilo. File photo from BBM-Sara Uniteam
MANILA, Philippines — Security control points meant to limit who will be able to enter the perimeter of the National Museum will be installed in preparation for President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s inauguration, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Tuesday.
According to PNP Public Information Office (PNP-PIO) chief Brig. Gen. Roderick Augustus Alba, all vehicles that would approach the immediate vicinity of the National Museum will be subjected to a thorough inspection by officers manning the control points.
This means, Alba said, that people going to the National Museum area may have to leave for the inauguration site earlier to avoid delays.
“We ask for the full cooperation of guests and other attendees over the rigid security check they will need to undergo upon arrival [at] the venue. We also advise for them to come at least two hours ahead of the scheduled time of the inauguration ceremony, as the security check may take a few minutes,” Alba said in a statement.
Alba also said that the following items are not allowed inside the screening areas, and these would be confiscated by officers manning the gates.
- Backpacks and big bags
- Pointed objects (cutters, blades, knives, etc.)
- Alcoholic drinks and cigarettes
- Chemicals
- Fireworks and Pyrotechnics
- Lighter, match and other combustible items
- Drones
Earlier, during a briefing of the security cluster in charge of the inauguration, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año revealed that there would be screening areas for people who may want to attend the inauguration on Thursday.
Año said that the organizers have allotted the Intramuros Golf Course as an area for civilian attendees, noting that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has already removed fences blocking the view from the said area.
“Meron tayong mga designated entry points para sa ating mga kababayan at sila iga-guide naman hanggang doon sa kanilang viewing or audience area particularly dito sa Intramuros golf course,” he said.
(We have designated entry points for people who would watch the event, and they would be guided up to the viewing area for the audience, particularly here at the Intramuros golf course.)
“Meron nga dong, may fence doon, tinanggal na ng ating DPWH ‘yong fence do’n para lang makita nila in full view ‘yong ating inauguration and at the same time mawala ‘yong distinction na may harang ‘yong ating mga kababayan compared sa ibang attendees,” he added.
(There are fences there that were temporarily removed by the DPWH so that we can see in full view the inauguration rites and at the same time assure Filipinos that there is no distinction between different attendees.)
National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director Maj. Gen. Felipe Natividad on the other hand said they are expecting 1,250 VIPs and VVIPs on the main grounds, apart from people who would want to attend the inauguration in person.
Año explained that VIPs and VVIPs would have a screening area at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC). After that, buses would then bring the VIPs and VVIPs to the National Museum.
“Ang screening area for VIPs ay sa PICC, meron tayong mga forum tents na isinet-up doon. Ang lahat ng VIPs and VVIPs ay doon tutungo, doon sila magpa-park may designated parking areas there, ‘yong kanilang mga escort security ay maiiwan do’n,” the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) chief said.
(The screening area for VIPs is at the PICC, we have forum tents set up there. All VIPs and VVIPs will proceed to PICC, park their vehicles, and then have their escort security left behind.)
“Meron tayong 60 buses para mag-sundo at maghatid after the event, dadalhin sila doon sa drop-off point malapit sa National Museum, ia-usher din sila sa kani-kanilang mga upuan, at ito’y magiging maayos ano. Ang ating PSG (Presidential Security Group) ay merong sariling triaging din at screening,” he added.
(We have around 60 buses to ferry them after the event, they will be brought to a drop-off point near the National Museum, where they would be ushered to their respective seats. Our PSG also has its own triaging and screening.)
Earlier, DILG and PNP assured security preparations were complete and all systems were ready to go, with over 18,000 police and military officers and personnel from other offices tapped to secure the event.
READ: DILG: Security cluster ‘100% ready’ for Bongbong Marcos inaugural
Concerns were raised about the security of Marcos’ inauguration after Malaya released a statement confirming the existence of the intelligence reports. According to Malaya, the reports were particularly about communists allegedly plotting to disrupt or embarrass the President-elect during his oath-taking.
READ: DILG confirms intel on plan to disrupt Bongbong Marcos inauguration