PNP to secure Widodo during visit, Nazarene procession on Jan 9

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (2nd L) and First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos (L) are welcomed by Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo (2nd R) and First Lady Iriana Widodo upon their arrival for the ASEAN Summit in Jakarta on September 5, 2023. (File photo by Adek BERRY / POOL / AFP)

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has enough law enforcers to secure the official visit of Indonesian President Joko Widodo and the Black Nazarene activities.

PNP spokesperson Colonel Jean Fajardo made the statement during the Bagong Pilipinas public briefing on Friday.

The two events coincide on January 9 (Tuesday).

“May sapat naman tayong tauhan and this will not be the first time na ang PNP po ay magpo-provide po ng security coverage sa magkakasabay po na major events,” said Fajardo.

(We have enough personnel, and this will not be the first time PNP will provide security coverage for coinciding significant events.)

Fajardo noted a security template exists whenever foreign dignitaries like Widodo arrive in the country.

The Indonesian leader is set to visit the Philippines from January 9 to 11.

He has a meeting with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on January 10.

Presidential Security Group is the close-in protection unit for Widodo’s visit and any visiting head of state.

PNP will dispatch policemen to augment security for the occasion.