PNP readying security plan for EDSA rites

MANILA, Philippines - Police are readying an elaborate security plan for the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Edsa 1 People Power revolution tomorrow.

Chief Superintendent Agrimero Cruz Jr., Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesman, said the entire police force had been placed on full alert since Monday.

“For the 25th celebration of Edsa People Power revolution, the PNP has prepared elaborate security measures including the management of the flow of traffic,” he said.

PNP chief Director General Raul Bacalzo, who was a captain in 1986, will take part in the celebration.

In 1986, he was in Camp Crame with the group of then Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile and AFP vice chief of staff Lt. Gen. Fidel Ramos, he added.

Cruz said the police will participate in some of the activities, particularly in the fun run during the early morning of Feb. 25.

On the eve of Feb. 25 the Special Action Force will spearhead a contingent of about 1,000 policemen from the national headquarters, he added.

Cruz said members of police regional offices will also march from Camp Crame to the Edsa People Power monument.

In other regions, other activities are slated in several areas like Camarines Sur, he added.

Metro Manila police commander Director Nicanor Bartolome inspected yesterday the People Power Monument and the Edsa Shrine as part of the final security preparation for Friday’s festivities.

The People Power Monument will be the venue for the boodle lunch on Friday as well as the variety show that night.

Bartolome said they are expecting at least 5,000 participants from the various sectors to join in the “salubungan.”

NCRPO policemen will also participate in activities lined up for Feb. 25. – With Non Alquitran, Rhodina Villanueva, Michelle Zoleta, Evelyn Macairan, Alexis Romero