Cops placed on alert for historic signing

MANILA, Philippines - Police have been placed on full alert in Metro Manila for today’s signing of the peace agreement between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) at Malacañang.

Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesman Senior Superintendent Wilben Mayor said the National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) has been placed on full alert status with the national headquarters on “heightened alert.”

He said tight security measures have been implemented around the areas surrounding Malacañang where the signing of the peace agreement is scheduled at 4 p.m. at the Kalayaan Grounds.

The event will be attended and witnessed by an estimated 1,200 high profile personalities that include President Aquino and Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, MILF chief Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos-Deles and Malaysian facilitator Tengku Dato Abdul Ghafar Tengku Mohamed.

Some 400 MILF members are expected to attend.

Also expected to witness and participate in the signing are members of the diplomatic corps and local government officials.

Mayor said the PNP has issued the operational guidelines for the signing ceremony, with the NCRPO assuming primary responsibility for the security coverage.

“Considering that some of the attendees will be billeted at Sofitel (hotel), the NCRPO will provide security at that particular area in coordination with the Presidential Security Group and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process,” Mayor said.

He said the NCRPO was also directed to provide security escorts to foreign ministers who will attend the signing ceremony.

The police Civil Disturbance Management (CDM) was tasked to take countermeasures against possible mass actions along roads and landmarks leading to Malacañang.

“The NCRPO is also designated to provide road security and traffic management. On the other hand, the aviation security group will provide security coverage at the airport,” he added.

Mayor said the police Highway Patrol Group will provide motorcycles and mobile escorts for the buses that will fetch the delegates from the airport to Sofitel and to Malacañang then back to the airport once they leave Manila.