Armed marshals vs terrorists to be deployed on ships

Armed marshals will be deployed aboard passenger airlines, trains, ships and buses as part of the government’s anti-terrorism measures for All Saints’ Day, the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) revealed yesterday.

"We are always on heightened alert. It’s better to be always sure about our security. The Philippine National Police (PNP) and security personnel are always on alert checking our baggage in the terminals when we travel," Ferdinand Lagman, head of the DOTC’s Action Center, said. "We have marshals on ships, planes, trains and buses."

Each year, Filipinos troop to the provinces to visit and honor their dead on the eve of All Saints’ Day, crowding bus terminals and air and sea ports.

Lagman declined to give details, except to say the DOTC is working out the arrangement with the PNP and other law enforcement agencies.

"The marshals are armed with handguns. Even inside the planes, they have permission to board planes," he said. "The Philippine Coast Guard is also involved in the security of ships."

DOTC Spokesman Thompson Lantion said it is actually a requirement of the international civil aviation industry to have armed security aboard planes in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks in the US.

"During holidays, we ask for more time for check-in at the airports, for both local and international flights because of security," said Lantion.

Security forces routinely step up measures for All Saints’ Day to thwart possible terrorist attacks.

Hundreds of police officers are deployed in and around cemeteries to head off potential trouble. Roads around cemeteries are closed and traffic rerouted to minimize traffic jams.

Knives, guns and liquor are likewise banned by police to avoid trouble and cemetery visitors are subjected to security checks.

Authorities will set up "help desks" at bus terminals, ports and even cemeteries. These will also be manned by first aid personnel, Lagman said.

Help desks will also be stationed along the North Luzon Expressway and South Luzon Expressway, the two main arteries connecting Metro Manila to the provinces.

Help desk personnel will be equipped with cellular phones that motorists and commuters may use in case of emergencies, Lagman said.

Lantion called on personnel of local governments and other government agencies to be vigilant in guarding public transport hubs across the country to thwart possible terrorist attacks as well as criminals that might take advantage of the situation.

Lantion also urged Metro Manila public transport firms planning to ferry passengers to the provinces to secure their permits from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board early to avoid long queues.

The LTFRB started issuing permits yesterday.

Meanwhile, PNP chief Arturo Lomibao has appealed to the opposition and groups opposed to President Arroyo to take a break from staging protest rallies so his forces could focus on providing security during All Saints’ Day.

PNP spokesman, Chief Superintendent Leopoldo Bataoil, said the PNP is closely working with the military to prevent possible terrorist attacks during the holiday.

"There is no specific threat of terrorist attacks," he said. — With Cecille Suerte Felipe