PNP chief defends Clinton security plan despite paint attack

MANILA, Philippines – Philippine National Police chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome said on Thursday that the police managed to secure US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s convoy despite the anti-US rallies that included a paint attack, which greeted her arrival Wednesday.

Bartolome said that the police securing the area were prepared and thorough. “[The] NCRPO [National Capital Region Police Office] from the start has been there, supported by other units [such as the] HPG [Highway Patrol Group],” he told reporters.

He added that they “had a complete security plan” but would be looking into how to improve further their security measures to prevent such incidents.

“[It] should be a cause for us to improve some more,” said the PNP chief.

Asked whether police heading the security in the area would face sanctions after the paint-throwing incident, Bartolome said that they had to look into the matter but added that just because the protesters were able to block the road, it “did not mean that they did not do anything from the very start.”

Clinton’s convoy was forced to take a detour as protesters blocked the road going to Malacanang Palace where she met President Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday.

Clinton sought to strengthen ties between the US and the Philippines in her brief visit to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the US-Philippine Mutual Defense Treaty.