Obama advance team already in Manila

MANILA, Philippines - An advance party of United States (US) President Barack Obama has arrived and is now working with Philippine authorities to thresh out the security preparations for his state visit next week.

Armed Forces public affairs chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said the Presidential Security Group (PSG) and other agencies are now coordinating with the US Secret Service for the security measures.

“A meeting between the Secret Service and the Presidential Security Group was held last Monday. It was a planning conference,” Zagala said.

“The Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines support the Presidential Security Group in the operation,” he added.

Zagala declined to provide details about the Secret Service personnel that arrived in the country, citing security reasons.

He said government agencies like the Department of Transportation and Communication, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and the Manila International Airport Authority would also be involved in the planning process.

“They are still in the initial planning stage,” Zagala said.

Obama will arrive in Manila on April 28 for a two-day visit amid mounting concerns about China’s aggressive efforts to assert its territorial claims.

Obama’s visit will come as the Philippines and the US are finalizing a deal that would provide American troops greater access to military bases in the country.

The 8th round of negotiations on the base access deal was completed early this month, with officials claiming that they are moving closer to reaching a consensus.

Negotiators stressed that the agreement would comply with the Philippine constitution and would prohibit permanent presence of US troops and weapons of mass destruction.

Zagala said they have not detected specific threats that could compromise the security of Obama and his contingent. However, militant groups who oppose the base access deal are expected to hold demonstrations.

“For now, we have not monitored any threat. However, we take recognition of the fact that there are visiting VIPs (very important persons) so we should prepare for any contingency,” he said.

No-fly zone

Zagala noted that Malacañang, the venue of the meeting between Obama and President Aquino, is a no-fly zone to keep the country’s seat of power safe.

When asked whether other areas could be declared as no-fly zones during the Obama visit, Zagala said: “It depends on the coordination with the Presidential Security Group.”

Zagala assured that the PSG is capable of ensuring the safety of key personalities who visit the country.

“The Presidential Security Group has a vast experience in securing visiting VIPS. They are used to these kinds of activities,” he said.

Zagala said the upgrading of the military’s alert status would depend on the recommendation of the PSG.