By Martin Sadongdong
The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) assured the public that it is “solid and ready” in ensuring the security of Chinese President Xi Jinping during his stay in the country from November 20 to 21.
National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Director Guillermo Eleazar
(FEDERICO CRUZ / MANILA BULLETIN)
Xi arrived Tuesday morning for a two-day state visit.
NCRPO Director Guillermo Eleazar said 700 more police officers were deployed on Tuesday morning in Metro Manila, bringing the total police force of Task Force "Jinping" to 6,200 from a mere 5,500 strength earlier.
"The National Capital Region Police Office is one with the government in pursuit of improving our ties with the world's second largest economy -- China," Eleazar said in a statement.
"With pride, banking for a successful state visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping, I would like to assure everyone that our whole force is solid, ready and equipped to serve and protect in all eventualities during this crucial, historical juncture," he added.
Task Force Jinping is composed of around 6,000 metro policemen and at least 200 personnel from the Calabarzon Police Regional Office (PRO-4A) as augmentation force.
"Together with various member-agencies, local government units and community stakeholders, extensive coordination and security preparations have been done and rest assured that we'll be maximizing our capabilities and manpower in order to upstage a safe, smooth and peaceful state visit," Eleazar stated.
The NCRPO Chief also assured that it has established a contingency plan in anticipation of all possible forms of violence thru lightning rallies and other protests.
On Tuesday morning, Eleazar, together with Southern Police District (SPD) Director Eliseo Cruz, conducted last-minute rounds and inspection at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 in Pasay City in preparation for Xi's arrival.
As of 11 a.m., authorities have monitored several protests particularly in front of the Chinese Embassy along Buendia Avenue, Makati City and Makati's Bureau of Fire Protectiion (BFP) headquarters.
The rallyists were condemning the militarization of the West Philippine Sea, which is being claimed by China.
Police also confiscated several placards and tarpaulins from the rallyists which contain vulgar and offensive words against Xi.