12,000 cops to guard Congress
Gloria Arroyo reviews military detail
A force numbering 12,000 cops and soldiers are being trained to serve as an augmentation and peace-keeping force ahead of the State of the Nation Address (SONA), the last one of Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on July 27.
National Capital Region Command Major General Jogy Leo Fojas said troops are being prepared to secure Congress for the SONA. While at least 9 to 12,000 policemen are on standby to maintain order, says Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director Jesus Verzosa. To aid in the security preparations, cops are scheduled to conduct special clearing operations in certain places in the metropolis.
The extra security came amidst talks of alleged terrorist threats and destabilization. Yesterday, the entire country was placed on full alert, reportedly to prevent a spillover of terror attacks from Mindanao. Just this week, a string of bomb attacks hit cities in Mindanao, which authorities say are the handiwork of regional terror group, Jemaah Islamiya.
Opposition groups criticized the plan, describing it as “overkill.” Palace press secretary Cerge Remonde said the extra precaution is necessary to prevent violence.
The question really is—who are they afraid of? It seems that this government is anticipating something serious to happen in the SONA. Are they afraid that people might just explode into a rage after Congress convenes itself into a Constituent Assembly?
