Manila cops on maximum alert for June 12 rites

The 3,000-strong Manila police force, including augmentation from the other police units, will be undertaking security and contingency operations to maintain peace and order as well as traffic management direction and control, during the 106th Philippine Independence celebration in Luneta on June 12. Western Police District (WPD) director Chief Superintendent Pedro Bulaong said his men will be placed on maximum alert starting Friday until the duration of the celebrations on Saturday.

The June 12 celebration will kick off with flagraising and wreath-laying ceremonies at the Rizal Monument in Luneta in the morning.

Top government officials, members of the Diplomatic Corps, high-ranking national and local government officials and police officials will also witness the Grand Parade to be held at the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta in the afternoon.

According to WPD spokesman Chief Inspector Gerry Agunod, the WPD is now monitoring various local and foreign threat groups such as terrorists, criminal syndicates and lawless elements which may try to sabotage the June 12 activities.

The police are now also looking into the possible disruption of the historical event by militant and cause-oriented groups and organizations through illegal rallies and other actions to embarrass the government before the eyes of the world, Agunod said.

Bulaong will act as commander of Task Group Luneta which will intensify intelligence coverage to identify threat groups and their action plan, conduct coordination with other law enforcement agencies and local officials, secure vital installations like the oil depot, power lines and the US Embassy and the monitoring of the Rizal Park area, Quirino Grandstand , Rizal Monument and the vicinity of the Manila Hotel.

Under Task Group Luneta are sub-task groups composed of Kalinga, responsible for the security operations at Quirino Grandstand including civil disturbance management; Dikit, for covert security and intelligence information and gathering; Antabay, for area security, ground control management and special operations; and Latag, for management and supervision of traffic and parking control and direction during the event.