Coast Guard to augment security forces in Marcos inauguration

Members of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will augment security forces during the inauguration of incoming President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on June 30, 2022.

On Tuesday, PCG Commandant Admiral Artemio Abu said the Department of the Interior and Local Government tapped the Coast Guard to uphold public safety and security on the first day of the next administration.

“We will deploy assets and personnel to augment the Task Group Maritime Security – NCR-Central Luzon that is in charge of ensuring maritime security and maritime safety during the inauguration of the newly-elected Chief Executive of the Philippines,” Abu said in a statement.

“We are now finalizing guidelines and protocols to minimize, if not prevent, maritime incidents that may arise due to threat groups that intend to disrupt the inauguration ceremony or endanger the lives of the general public,” he said.

The PCG, through its fleet, will dispatch rigid hull inflatable boats, aluminum boats, and personal watercraft to provide intensified maritime patrol in the vicinity waters off Manila Bay and Pasig River.

Security and medical personnel will also be deployed.

“Rest assured that the PCG will work side by side with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, and other concerned government agencies to realize a safe, secure, and peaceful assumption of the 17th President of the Republic of the Philippines,” Abu added.

Marcos is set to take his oath at the National Museum of the Philippines. He won in the recent elections with over 31 million votes. — Sundy Locus/RSJ, GMA News