All security measures covered for BBM's inauguration- DILG exec
By Chito Chavez
State forces are prepared to deal with the possible disruption efforts and threats of the leftist groups as security measures were beefed up for the inauguration of President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong’’ Marcos Jr. at the National Museum on June 30.
In a news briefing on Tuesday, June 28, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya noted that the Manila Task Force Shield was activated as temporary road closures, checkpoints, no sail zone in Pasig River and gun ban regulation were already imposed.
The Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), local government units (LGUs) and other concerned agencies collaborated to ensure the orderly and peaceful inauguration process.
Malaya said that the leaders of the leftist groups held a press conference where they announced that they will conduct protest rallies not only in Metro Manila but also in other parts of the country like Baguio City, Cebu, Iloilo and Naga City.
The DILG official maintained that the freedom of expression is ‘Constitutionally enshrined’ but must be done in a peaceful and orderly manner without any provocation towards the law enforcers or any form of unruly behavior.
Malaya asked for the indulgence of the public to bear with the temporary inconvenience as part of the security preparation to ensure the peaceful and orderly transition of power.
“Please keep your (leftist groups) protest peaceful, Huwag na po tayong makipaggitgitan wag na pon nating gawan pa ng eksena ito (Do not exhibit rowdy behavior. Do not make any scene). Respect the people’s will in the last election,’’ Malaya said.
Historically during the transition period, Malaya said that leftist groups create scenes to gain media mileage as part of their propaganda to garner sympathy and project the image that the government is harassing them.
Aware of these circumstances, Malaya said that DILG Secretary Eduardo Año ordered the police officers to enforce maximum tolerance and if possible engage the leftist groups in a dialogue. (Chito A. Chavez)