THE 232,000-strong Philippine National Police on orders of General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil yesterday went on heightened alert in preparation for six events in the country including the March 28 birthday of former President Rodrigo R. Duterte who is now in jail at The Hague in The Netherlands awaiting trial by the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity.

The month-long heightened alert status was declared in connection with the celebration of so-called ‘Red Letter Days and other major activities that will unfold in the next days and weeks including the 8th birthday of the firebrand former chief executive.

Others are the 4-day nationwide transport strike by the group Manibela which is protesting the implementation of the Public Transport Modernization Program which aims to phase out all public utility vehicles considered not roadworthy; the New People’s Army anniversary on March 29; the Araw ng Kagitingan on April 9; the observance of Holy Week on April 13 to 20; and the Labor Day on May 1.

The alert condition may be extended depending on the prevailing peace and order situation in the country after the conclusion of the above-mentioned events.

Thus, all personnel of the 17 Regional Mobile Force Battalions as well as the Provincial Mobile Force Companies, City Mobile Force Battalions and the PNP Special Action Force were ordered accounted for to perform their regular duties during office hours with 75 percent of them required to remain physically present in their respective office/units even during weekends and holidays.

All Police Regional Offices were also ordered to conduct proactive security measures to keep peace and order and thwart possible activities by criminal gangs and other lawless elements.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Alfred P. Dalizon