Manila cops secure Luneta, US Embassy for June 12

Manila police on Friday started tightening security at the Luneta Park and the United States Embassy, in time for the country's 113th Independence Day on Sunday. Police K-9 teams started paneling operations at structures at the Luneta area Friday morning, radio dzBB's Carlo Mateo reported. The police have also started keeping ambulant vendors away from areas where Independence Day-related activities will be staged. Some 1,000 Manila Police District (MPD) personnel will be deployed at the Luneta and around US Embassy to secure the activities there on Sunday, the report added. According to MPD spokesman Chief Inspector Erwin Margarejo, they will focus their security operations on Rizal Park, Quirino Grandstand, and the US Embassy. MPD head Chief Superintendent Roberto Rongavilla will personally head the "Task Group Luneta" operations on Sunday, Margarejo added. President Benigno Aquino III is to personally lead the Independence Day activities this Sunday. — LBG, GMA News