Cops unload anti-riot shields at NAIA after SC allows Arroyo to leave

Shortly after the Supreme Court upheld its temporary restraining order allowing former President Gloria Arroyo to go abroad, police at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport took precautions against possible rallies. Police personnel unloaded anti-riot shields from a police vehicle that arrived in front of the NAIA Terminal 1 before 2 p.m., radio dzBB's Sam Nielsen reported. The police personnel brought the anti-riot equipment inside the airport and declined to comment when asked if they were expecting protests, the report said. In Taguig City, a team of Taguig police personnel also proceeded to the St. Luke's Medical Center where Arroyo had been staying since Tuesday night. The Taguig policemen said they were there for "security preparation" but did not elaborate, radio dzBB's Allan Gatus reported. Asked if they were there to escort Arroyo to the NAIA, the police personnel declined to comment, the report added. Arroyo had booked a 5:10 p.m. flight for Singapore. Her camp said she has a Saturday appointment with a doctor there. On the other hand, Arroyo's legal spokesman, defeated senatorial bet Raul Lambino, said Arroyo is still not sure if she would push through with her flight. Lambino said they were still not sure if Arroyo is physically fit to travel. However, he hailed the high court's decision upholding the TRO as a "triumph of the rule of law." — LBG, GMA News