PCG: No threat monitored for upcoming Bongbong Marcos inauguration

Commodore Armand Balilo, PCG spokesperson

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has not monitored any security threat that may disrupt the inauguration of President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the National Museum in Manila on June 30, an official said Friday.

While this may be the case, PCG spokesman Commodore Armando Balilo said the agency will still exercise a high level of vigilance for the upcoming event.

“Wala namang information tungkol sa mga threats na maaaring maging reality pagdating nitong inauguration ni President-elect Marcos. Pero ang ating instruction sa lahat ng tauhan natin ay talagang high level of vigilance,” he said in a public briefing.

(While there is no information about threats occurring during Marcos’ inauguration, we have instructed all personnel to remain vigilant.)

“Talagang dapat magmasid, mag-obserba, kunin ‘yung kooperasyon ng public, para kung mayroong anuman suspetsiyosong pagkilos ng sinuman, ng anumang sasakyan ay maireport sa awtoridad,” Balilo added.

(We must be observant and get the cooperation of the public so that any suspicious movements by people or vehicles will be reported to authorities.)

The PCG will send some of its assets and personnel to beef up the security for the inauguration of Marcos.

Balilo said these assets include small crafts, fast patrol boats, jet skis, medical teams and K-9 units.

No ‘no sail’ zone 

The PCG did not impose a “no sail zone” except in a specific area in Pasig River and the Malacañang restricted area.

“Hindi na namin nakita na kailangang magpatupad pa sapagkat enough na ‘yung sa Malacañang restricted area.  ‘Yun lamang ang di na [pa]payagan na maglayag ang mga sasakyang pandagat,” Balilo said.

(We did not see the need to impose a “no sail zone” because the Malacañang restricted area is enough.)

“Nagbigay na tayo ng notice to mariners at naiintindihan naman ito ng mga kababayan natin,” he added.

(We have already given notice to our mariners and they understand it.)

Vessel activities are still allowed in Manila Bay but PCG will monitor any suspicious activity there, Balilo said.

“Dito sa Manila Bay ay tuloy ang biyahe at kung masyadong lalapit, at nao-observe namin na may untoward o mayroong hindi magandang gagawin, nandoon naman ang pwersa ng PCG para sawatain o para pigilan ‘yung kung ano mang masamang balak,” he explained.

(Manila Bay is not restricted and if there are vessels that will come near and we observe that there are untoward intentions, the PCG is there to suppress it.)

JMS/abc