Security tightened for Clinton

MANILA, Philippines - Government troops have tightened security around the Manila Hotel where former US President Bill Clinton will talk on “Embracing Our Common Humanity” at 4 p.m. today.

The Coast Guard has declared off limits since Monday a 4.8-kilometer area from the shoreline of Manila Bay.

It has tightened security around the perimeter of Manila Hotel, where Clinton would be staying during his visit.

Coast Guard spokesman Lt. Cmdr. Arman Balilo said commandant Adm. Wilfredo Tamayo has ordered tight security from the Manila Bay shoreline up to the breakwater.

“No type of vessel would be allowed to enter the breakwater area, which is about two to three miles away from the Manila Bay shoreline,” he said.

“Even fishing vessels would be prohibited from entering the area,” he added.

Two rigid hull inflatable boats will patrol the mouths of the breakwater from north to south, Balilo said.

Armed Forces spokesman Brig. Gen. Jose Mabanta Jr. said troops from the Presidential Security Group (PSG) will secure Clinton’s visit.

“I understand it is the PSG (Presidential Security Group) who is in charge of (securing the visits) of heads of state and former heads of state,” he said.

“Remember, the former heads of state in the US are provided Secret Service. The contact of the Secret Service is our PSG,” he said.

PSG Commander Col. Ramon Mateo Dizon said security preparations have been made at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport for Clinton’s arrival and at the Manila Hotel.

Preparations for the Clinton address are similar to those undertaken during the visit of other prominent figures, he added.

The Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) said Clinton’s visit will stir memories of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) and the failed economic policies of globalization.

Bayan secretary-general Renato Reyes said Clinton was US president when the VFA was signed.

Clinton was also the US president when the Philippines hosted the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in 1996, he added.

The US, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and France have issued separate warnings against traveling to the Philippines due to possible terror attacks. - With Alexis Romero, Rhodina Villanueva