Security measures for Bush visit assessed

CAMP AQUINO, Tarlac — Top military and police officials in Central and Northern Luzon met here last Tuesday to assess "internal security operations" for the Oct. 18 visit of US President George W. Bush.

This, as militant groups have announced that they will hound Bush with "anti-imperialist" demonstrations, while the communist-led New People’s Army (NPA), upon orders from leaders of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), would "intensify armed tactical offen—sives" against the government.

In a statement, the Armed Forces’ Northern Luzon Command (Nol—com) said its commanding officer, Lt. Gen. Romeo Dominguez, has issued a "commander’s guidance" for all military units deployed north of Metro Manila to act on "desta—bilization efforts" against the Arroyo administration by "misguided elements."

Nolcom has operational jurisdiction over the Army’s 5th and 7th Infantry Division and the Naval Forces North Luzon.

During the security assessment here, Nolcom admitted that its targets against rebel groups operating in Central and Northern Luzon "were not 100-percent attained."

Nonetheless, Dominguez said Nolcom units "scored modest accomplishments, as they displayed their best efforts in providing a peaceful and secured area" in Regions 1 (Ilocos), 2 (Cagayan Valley) and 3 (Central Luzon) and in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).

Militants allied with the radical Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) disclosed that they will launch a "long march and caravan against US imperialist aggression" in time for Bush’s visit to the country.

The Nolcom has drawn up security measures in anticipation of anti-US protesters from Northern and Central Luzon who would converge in Metro Manila. — With Ding Cervantes, Cesar Ramirez and James Mananghaya