There is no monitored security threat for the inauguration of President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the National Museum in Manila on June 30 but the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vowed not to be complacent.
Admiral Artemio Abu, PCG Commandant, said it will implement maximum security measures and deploy 300 personnel to form security forces, K9 teams, and medical groups; and an additional 200 personnel to act as augmentation forces for the event.
“Right now, we have no serious threats to public safety pero ayaw nating magpakampante (but we do not want to be complacent),” he said.
This, amid the revelation of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) that there were supposed plans being organized by communist rebels and its allied organizations to disrupt the occasion.
On Wednesday, June 22, the PCG showcased some of the assets that it will use to provide maritime patrol in the vicinity waters off Manila Bay and Pasig River on Marcos Jr.'s inauguration.
It includes three multi-role response vessels (MRRVs); 10 other floating assets like rigid hull inflatable boats, aluminum boats, and personal watercraft; and land vehicles to augment road patrols and control traffic flow in Manila.
The PCG will also implement a “No Sail Zone” protocol in some parts of Pasig River to ensure the safety of the attendees.
Abu appealed to individuals who wish to witness the inauguration of Marcos Jr. to follow the safety guidelines that will be implemented by the government.
“Iwasan po natin ang pagdadala ng mga ipinagbabawal na bagay at panatilihin po natin ang pagsusuot ng face mask dahil nasa gitna pa rin po tayo ng pandemya (Avoid bringing prohibited items and maintain the wearing of face mask because we are still in the middle of a pandemic),” he said.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) tapped the PCG to support the Task Group Maritime Security – National Capital Region and Central Luzon (NCR-CL) which is in charge of ensuring maritime security and maritime safety during the inauguration of Marcos Jr.
The PCG said it is working side by side with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), and other concerned government agencies to ensure the peaceful and orderly conduct of the event.