US Embassy, Secret Service satisfied with House security

The US Embassy and the US Secret Service are satisfied with the security preparations at the House of Representatives, where US President George W. Bush will address a joint session of Congress on Oct. 18, an embassy official said yesterday.

About 20 embassy officials and Secret Service personnel inspected the Batasan Pambansa yesterday, particularly the route Bush will take to the session hall, and met with House officials.

Ronald Post, the embassy’s counselor for public affairs, said "security is a very serious concern for us." He said they had "very good meetings and preparations are going along very well."

"(Bush) would not be coming here if he’s not safe here," Post told reporters. "We’re going to have a very good visit at your house of democracy."

The Americans met with House deputy secretary general for public relations and information Noel Albano, deputy secretary general Artemio Adaza and House sergeant-at-arms Bayani Fabic.

Post gave assurance that reporters covering Bush’s address will not be too restricted by the security and will have "free play." "There’s going to be some great pictures," he said.

Albano said reporters will have seats in the gallery. Adaza, meanwhile, said it is unlikely that security personnel will frisk lawmakers despite threats from leftist congressmen that will stage a protest during Bush’s address.

Earlier, House Majority Leader and Mandaluyong Rep. Neptali Gonzales warned the leftist congressmen against "embarrassing the guest and host" or sanctions would be imposed on them for misconduct.

Bush’s National Security Adviser Condoleeza Rice had expressed concern about Bush’s safety, citing perceived lax security despite lingering regional terrorist threats.

Philippine security officials said local intelligence agencies such as the National Security Council and the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency were "continuously assessing the security situation" and have, so far, detected no threat.

Bush is scheduled to make an eight-hour stopover in Manila in what is largely seen as a gesture of thanks to Mrs. Arroyo for her staunch support in the US-led war on terror.

The visit was thrown into doubt in July by the embarrassing escape of Indonesian Fathur Rohman al-Ghozi, — a confessed bomb expert of the Jemaah Islamiyah terrorist group — from Camp Crame.

The military said Thursday it was closing in on Al-Ghozi but gave no details.

Bush and Mrs. Arroyo will discuss security and other regional issues in a meeting at Malacañang.

Defense ties between Manila and Washington became closer after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States.

The Philippines and the United States have worked together in fighting both local and foreign Muslim extremists allegedly linked to such groups as Jemaah Islamiyah and the al-Qaeda terrorist network.

Last year, the Philippine military received training and assistance from US Special Forces in tracking down the elusive Abu Sayyaf kidnap gang, which has been linked to al-Qaeda.

In May, Bush honored Mrs. Arroyo with a state dinner at the White House and designated the Philippines as a major US ally.