MPD secures Malacañang due to 'pork' prayer rally

MANILA, Philippines - The Manila Police District (MPD) on Wednesday intensified security measures being implemented around Malacañang in anticipation of the anti-pork barrel protest at the EDSA Shrine.

Chief Superintendent Isagani Genabe Jr., MPD director, said a "sufficient" number of policemen have been deployed to secure the Don Chino Roces (Mendiola) Bridge and other entry points to the Palace.

Genabe said anti-riot policemen were also sent to the United States embassy.

There are no intelligence information on possible threats to the Palace in connection with the pork barrel protest, but the police official said that they could not take any chances.

The National Capital Region Police Office has placed the entire police force in Metro Manila on full alert because of the prayer vigil against the pork barrel at the Shrine.

The prayer rally was also set in time for the 12th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks in the US.