Camp Aguinaldo security group on red alert ahead of Edsa rites

FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Camp Aguinaldo’s security group went on red alert for the Edsa People Power celebration.

“The red alert status was declared here at Camp Aguinaldo at headquarters service level because People Power Shrine is located within the General Headquarters. The only unit on alert is General Headquarters Service Company [HSC] to secure the People Power Monument,” military public affairs chief Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Zagala told reporters.

The full alert status is for them to be able to “prepare for any security measure needed.” Zagala said there was no specific threat.

He emphasized that the General Headquarters Joint Staff and special technical staff at Camp Aguinaldo are excluded from the red alert status. The HSC covers the military police, K-9, EOD and is composed of about 100 personnel.

The full alert status took effect on Sunday and it will be until Tuesday. During red alert, 100 percent of the personnel of a unit are on standby. On blue alert, 50 percent of a unit are on standby. It is “normal” status when it is on white alert.

The red alert status would be implemented despite the fact that the celebration will be held for the first time in Cebu, instead at the usual People Power Monument in Edsa. The rites will be led by President Benigno Aquino III.

Zagala said the red alert status is implemented every Edsa celebration.

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