Cops Brace For Protests On Ban Visit

Cops brace for protests on Ban visit




MANILA, Philippines -- Police in Metro Manila have been placed on full alert from Thursday, days before more than 1,000 foreign delegates are expected to arrive here for the Global Forum on Migration and Development.

Chief Superintendent Samuel Pagdilao, National Capital Region police office (NCRPO) deputy regional director for operations, said in an interview that they are also on alert for “more than 1,000 protesters” expected to greet the arrival of dignitaries including United Nations secretary general Ban Ki-moon on Monday.

Police have planned alternate routes and contingencies in case protesters barricade the planned routes of the dignitaries, he said.

Also on Thursday, the police highway patrol group conducted a dry-run or “general simulation exercise” to “check our [security] system,” Pagdilao said.

“We are also expected to test our security plan and equipment for motorcycles for our highway patrol group,” he added.

Pagdilao gave assurances that “we are already prepared” for the arrival of the delegates to the four-day migration forum, who will come from more than 100 countries.

“We will ensure that the rallies will be confined in just one area,” he said, stressing that protesters must first secure permits before conducting parallel activities during the forum.

Activist migrant organizations will also be holding an alternative forum in Manila.

Pagdilao said the police will observe maximum tolerance in dealing with protesters.