Security measures set for Lent, says defense chief

MANILA, Philippines—”We are ready.”

This is the statement of Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin regarding the government’s security preparations for the upcoming Holy Week commemorations.

“We are ready for the Lenten season which will start next week,” Gazmin said.

Brigadier General Roberto Almadin , co-chairman of the Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Council, warned that terror groups may take advantage of large gatherings in churches, cathedrals and tourist destinations frequented by the public during the long holidays.

Likewise, airports, seaports and other public transport terminals may also be targeted, said Almadin.

“That’s an assessment, it’s an opportunity for them so we are not discounting that possibility,” Almadin said, adding that terror groups were “media hungry”.

He added that they have not monitored any specific threat from any insurgent group but authorities are preparing for any eventuality nonetheless.

“Our assessment is always driven by data collected from past experiences… Logically, we have to be prepared. We are not saying that atrocities will happen but when it does, at least we have a high level of preparedness than when you don’t anticipate any atrocity,” Almadin told reporters.

When asked which specific rebel group—the Abu Sayyaf Group, Moro Islamic Liberation Front or the New People’s Army—authorities consider as threat this holiday, Almadin said: “We expect all of them to do some actions, that’s why we prepare for eventualities.”

The Philippine National Police is the main government agency tasked to provide security but the Armed Forces of the Philippines is ready to augment forces of the PNP.

“As part of our security preparation, the General Headquarters directed last 06 March 2012 all unified commands to coordinate with the PNP, Coast Guard, DOTC and other concerned government agencies to ensure the security of the churches, cathedrals, places of religious interest, vital installations, and tourist spots during the holiday,” Almadin said.

“The implementation of the security cooperation and collaboration efforts with the PNP will be done through the Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Centers in the regions, provinces and independent cities,” he added.

For his part, Secretary Gazmin advised the public to heed the warnings of government agencies, particularly of the Bureau of Fire Protection.

“Pag kayo’y umaalis at iniiwan ang bahay make sure na cut off iyong mga powers ninyo,” Gazmin said adding that electrical appliances should be unplugged before leaving the house to prevent fires.

Gazmin also advised the public to ensure that their homes are securely locked to prevent burglary.