PNP heightens security preps for Independence Day

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has intensified security preparations for the 113th Independence Day celebration on June 12. According to a news release posted on the PNP website on Monday, PNP chief Director General Raul Bacalzo "directed all Regional Directors, Provincial Directors, Chiefs of Police to intensify their conduct of police visibility, checkpoint operations, mobile and foot patrol in accordance with the Police Integrated Patrol System (PIPS)." "All Police Regional Offices (PROs) are also required to deploy Civil Disturbance Management (CDM) contingent in all places where programs and activities will be held," the PNP said. The PNP said President Benigno Aquino III will be the guest of honor and speaker at the Independence Day ceremony at the Rizal Park in Manila. “The PNP will deploy all necessary security forces in order to ensure a safe and orderly conduct of the annual Independence Day celebrations," Bacalzo said. Teams from the elite Special Action Force and the Regional Public Safety Battalions and other tactical police units have been tapped to secure the celebrations. “I have already directed all troops to be always alert and thwart possible terrorist attacks in the aftermath of the death of Al Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden," Bacalzo added. Celebrations outside Metro Manila Independence Day activities will also be held in several places outside Metro Manila, such as: