10,000 cops to be deployed for ‘Dubya’

At least 10,000 policemen assisted by a military contingent will be deployed to ensure that security measures are in place in time for the Oct. 18 visit of US President George W. Bush.

Named as ground commander of "Task Force Dubya," Metro police chief Deputy Director General Reynaldo Velasco created five sub-task groups as the primary implementing units for the security measures drafted for the Bush visit.

In a command conference yesterday, Velasco said that the entire Metro Manila police will be placed on full alert to secure all vital installations-including embassies, oil depots and malls.

According to Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Hermogenes Ebdane Jr., Velasco will be reinforced by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to ensure peace and order including traffic enforcement during the historic visit of a US president.

But while at least 50 percent of the 17,000 personnel of the National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) will be detailed to provide security for the Bush visit, the rest will be on hand to attend to the normal police work including fighting street crimes, anti-drugs among others. "While we have proven our capability to ensure the peaceful conduct and containment of mass actions during the July 28 SONA of President Arroyo, let us redouble our efforts in ensuring the overall safety of the US President and peace and order in the metropolis," said Velasco.

Under Task Force Dubya, the Western Police District headed by Chief Superintendent Pedro Bulaong and the Northern Police District under Chief Superintendent Marcelino Franco Jr. converged under "Task Force Namana," tasked to provide route security, crowd control, as well as to secure the immdiate vicinity of Malacañang Palace and the US Embassy.

The Central Police District headed by Chief Superintendent Napoleon Castro and Eastern Police District led by Chief Superintendent Rolando Sacramento fall under "Task Force Mahoma," which has been tasked to provide route security and secure the House of Representatives.

Meanwhile, the Southern Police District under Chief Superintendent Jose Gutierrez is responsible for securing the Makati Commercial Center as well as providing route, convoy, and airport security under "Task Group Marocona."

Some 3,000 more police personnel from the PNP headquarters under Task Groups "Contingency and Support" and "Reserve" are on standby and be deployed in a short notice when the need arises.

Prior to the arrival of Bush, Velasco ordered the five district directors and the 37 station commanders to intensify the implementation of pre-emptive measures and has placed the NCRPO on heightened alert.

Likewise, coordination has been made with the MMDA, as well as the different local government units (LGUs) and other concerned groups for the setting up of the security measures.

He also ordered the conduct of enhanced crowd disturbance management training among the districts in anticipation of militant groups’ protest rallies to greet the US president.