INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine National Police placed its forces in Metro Manila under the highest security alert status as more than a thousand guests are expected to witness the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) at Malacañang.
On Thursday, at least 1,200 guests will grace the inking of the CAB between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front at the Kalayaan Grounds of the Palace in Manila.
Senior Superintendent Wilben Mayor, PNP spokesperson, assured Wednesday that the National Capital Regional Police Office will take charge in providing security for the international guests, including Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak.
Among the 1,200, Mayor said “589 MILF members and constituents, foreign ministers, diplomatic corps, local government officials and Malaysia PM” will be at the Palace.
“As of yesterday (Tuesday) at 6 p.m., the NCRPO is already on full alert status while the PNP National Headquarters is on heightened alert status,” he said.
When a police unit is on full alert status, police visibility is increased; security is tightened in public places, particularly at malls, sea and air ports and bus terminals.
A full alert status means leaves of all police personnel are cancelled and they will have to report to their posts.
The NCRPO designated personnel to provide road security and traffic management. The Aviation Security Group will provide security coverage at the airports. The Police Security and Protection Group will provide on-board security on all bus while the PNP Maritime Group will provide security coverage on the seaports.
Mayor added that the PNP Highway Patrol Group will deploy motorcycles, mobiles, and buses, which will provide rides for attendees from the airport to their hotel and in Malacañang.
For foreign ministers, he said NCRPO mobile cars will accompany vehicles of the invited envoys.
The PNP will also deploy civil disturbance management (CDM) companies for possible mass action.
CDM companies will be on standby in some areas in Manila, particularly along Chino Roces or Mendiola Bridge, Nagtahan Bridge, Film Center, and Cultural Center of the Philippines complex.
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