Stringent security measures, including a gun ban and the exercise of maximum tolerance, are in place for President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s inauguration on Thursday, June 30 at the National Museum, according to the Manila Police District (MPD).
In an interview with DZRH on Friday, June 23, Brig. Gen. Leo Francisco, MPD chief, said their preparations are being done in coordination with several government agencies for the past 20 days.
The MPD will be exercising maximum tolerance, he added.
Francisco said there will be a gun ban from June 27 to July 2 in Manila and Pasay, in coordination with the Southern Police District (SPD).
He said Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Vicente Danao and National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Regional Director Felipe Natividad conducted a walk-thru at the inauguration site, made their recommendations, and submitted these to the proper authorities.
Francisco said there have been no reports on any threats towards the incoming president but he vowed that the police force will be more vigilant.
“Hindi tayo nagiging kumpiyansa. Kaya kami ng mga iba’t ibang intelligence units, kasama ang Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at ang National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) ay patuloy na naguusap ukol sa mga ganitong impormasyon. Patuloy kaming naghahanda dahil ito’y isang selebrasyon o event na magiging historic. Kailangan natin ipakita na magiging maayos at matagumpay ang inagurasyon na ito (We will not be complacent. The MPD, the AFP, and NICA continue to monitor these kinds of information. We are preparing because this will be a historic celebration. We have to ensure its peace and order and success)," Francisco said.
As for groups that will conduct rallies on June 30, Francisco said they must first secure a permit from the local government.
“Ako at ang kapulisan ay nakikiusap na ibigay na natin ang araw na ito sa ating mahal na pangulo dahil ito ay unang araw ng panunumpa niya. Kung sila’y manggugulo dito sa ating inagurasyon, ito’y hindi natin ipapahintulot (The police force and I are asking groups to give way to the inauguration since it is the president's first day in office. If they will cause chaos, we will not tolerate it)," he said.
The MPD warned attendees against bringing backpacks. Liquids must be placed in transparent bottles and items inside transparent plastic bags or containers.
Attendees are also discouraged from bringing their children to the inauguration.
In keeping with the minimum public health and safety protocols, Francisco said attendees must wear their face masks at all times.
He said they are still deciding on whether to allow the use of umbrellas for security purposes as umbrellas may obstruct the view of the crowd.