President Duterte Satisfied with Security Preparations for Black Nazarene Feast

President Rodrigo Duterte is satisfied with the security preparations for the feast of the Black Nazarene on Monday particularly with the contingencies being carried out by the police and the military, a Palace official said on Sunday.

The President is well aware of the threat of retaliation from terrorist groups but he is confident that the country’s security forces can handle the security preparations well, Communications Assistant Secretary Ana Maria Paz Banaag said in an interview on state-run Radyo ng Bayan.

“He (President Duterte) knows that the PNP, the AFP is doing their best, LGUs are doing their best to make sure that any threat, any attempt of untoward incident would not push through,” Banaag said.

Asked for an assurance from the government that it can fend off attacks, Banaag said government preparations also have limitations but she said the police and the military are doing everything to ensure order and protect the devotees during Monday’s event. Among the measures done by authorities include the deployment of signal jammers as well as strict prohibition for carrying guns, Banaag said.

“Iyong mga remedial na measures, ginagawa po ng mga law enforcers…They will do their best to protect our kababayans,” she said. While terror groups may seize the opportunity to launch attacks, the good thing is there is no specific threat monitored by authorities, according to Banaag. She said the police, military, local government units and other concerned civilian agencies are working hard to ensure an orderly and peaceful celebration of the annual procession.

“Well, sa ating mga kababayan especially po sa mga dadalo or sasama bukas, let’s take extra precaution para walang masasaktan,” she said.(PND)