All security measures were put in place for the inauguration of President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Manila on June 30 – even on water.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) conducted a simulation exercise of its security operations at the Pasig River and Manila Bay to ensure that no threat will slip past them on the inauguration day.
The PCG showcased some of their assets such as rigid hull inflatable boats and multi-role response vessels (MRRVs) that they will use to patrol major waterways around the National Museum where Marcos Jr. will take his oath.
“Puspusan na ang paghahandang ginagawa ng Philippine Coast Guard at ang tasking namin ay ang pagpapatrol sa katubigan (The Philippine Coast Guard is really preparing and our tasking includes patrol operations in waterways),” PCG spokesperson Commodore Armand Balilo said.
“Magmamasid tayo sa Pasig River at nakita niyo na may nakadeploy na tayong tauhan sa Manila Bay (We will monitor Pasig River and you have seen that we already deployed some of our personnel at the Manila Bay),” he added.
Around 500 PCG personnel will be fielded on June 30 – 300 members will form various security forces, K9 teams and medical groups while 200 others will be on standby for augmentation.
“Ayaw natin na may makalusot kung mayroon mang manggugulo na gagamitin ‘yung tubig para makamit ang kanilang plano (We don’t want anyone who wants to wreak havoc to evade our security and use these waterways to carry out their plans),” Balilo noted.
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.