Security tightened at US Embassy for protest march

The police tightened security at the United States Embassy and the Quiapo Golden Mosque in Manila on Friday for a march by a group protesting the alleged violation of the rights of al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. The Manila police also kept security tight at the Golden Mosque in Manila's Quiapo district, where the protesters gathered for their prayers before their scheduled march to the US Embassy. A group had scheduled a "sympathy march" to the US Embassy to protest alleged US violations of some Muslim traditions in dealing with bin Laden. "Susubaybayan na lang namin sila. Pero ultimately pagdating sa area lapit sa US Embassy they will be dispersed... Wala silang permit," MPD Station 3 head Superintendent James Afalla said. Anti-riot police and firefighters were stationed near the embassy premises along Roxas Boulevard in Manila, radio dzBB's Carlo Mateo reported. New Metro Manila police head Chief Superintendent Allan Purisima made a surprise inspection of security arrangements at the US Embassy and other potential "hotspots" in Manila. Aside from the embassy, Purisima also inspected security at the Pier area, and Light Rail Transit stations. Osama's death US President Barack Obama on Monday (Manila time) announced the death of bin Laden in Pakistan. "I can report to the American people and to the world that the United States has conducted an operation that killed Osama bin Laden, the leader of al Qaeda, and a terrorist who's responsible for the murder of thousands of innocent men, women and children," Obama said in a statement. Obama said, "at my direction, the United States launched a targeted operation against that compound in Pakistan. A small team of Americans carried out the operation with extraordinary courage and capability. No Americans were harmed. They took care to avoid civilian casualties." "After a firefight, they killed Osama bin Laden and took custody of his body," Obama added. - VVP, GMA News