PNP to lock down National Museum area for Bongbong Marcos inauguration

The National Museum of Fine Arts. Photo from www.nationalmuseum.gov.ph

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) will be enforcing a lockdown of the National Museum perimeter for the inauguration of President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday.

PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said the lockdown would start at around 10 a.m., which is ahead of the expected arrival of Marcos at the venue.

Because of the rigorous security measures, the PNP asks those who intend to witness the event to arrive early for screening.

“Mag-iinitiate tayo ng lockdown mga around 10 a.m. bago ‘yung inaasahang pagdating ni President-elect Marcos,” Fajardo said Wednesday over ABS CBN’s TeleRadyo.

(We will initiate a lockdown around 10 a.m. before the expected arrival of Marcos.)

“Kaya doon sa mga kababayan natin na nagnanais na personal mapanuod ‘yung inauguration, in-eencourage natin na dumating nang maaga dahil may security screening doon,” Fajardo said.

(For those who want to witness the inauguration, we encourage them to arrive early for the security screening.)

Fajardo reminded the public to avoid bringing prohibited items so that security checks go smoothly and swiftly.

Among the prohibited items are backpacks, color water containers, pointed objects (cutters, blades, knives, etc.), alcoholic drinks and cigarettes, chemicals, fireworks and pyrotechnics, lighter, matches, and other combustible items, and drones.

The PNP earlier said security control points will be installed to limit who will be able to enter the perimeter of the National Museum.

/MUF/abc