DILG won't jam mobile signals on June 30 inauguration

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said there are no plans to jam mobile phone signals during the inauguration of President-elect Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. at the National Museum of the Philippines on Thursday, according to a report by Philippine News Agency.

“It just depends on the situation but for now, there are no plans to shut down mobile signal. We have not really monitored an actual threat but our actions will depend on the developments until tomorrow,” outgoing DILG Secretary Eduardo Año said in Filipino in a phone interview on Wednesday.

He said "all hands are on deck" to ensure the peaceful and orderly conduct of Marcos’ inauguration.

"We have prepared for this and we will execute all protocols as planned for the success of this historic occasion,” he added.

Año said the Philippine National Police (PNP) activated its Task Force Manila Shield with more than 18,000 police officers, soldiers, Coast Guard personnel, and other force multipliers to be deployed and on stand-by across Metro Manila.

Checkpoints and chokepoints were also set up in all entry points of Manila starting Tuesday, with a gun ban also in effect in Metro Manila from June 27 to July 2.

PNP Officer-in-Charge Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao called on the participants and attendees of the inauguration to remain calm and continue to cooperate with the police to make it peaceful and safe.

“We ask for the full cooperation of the guests and other attendees in the strict security check that we will make upon their arrival at the venue. We also appeal for them to come at least two hours before the scheduled time of the inauguration ceremony, as the security check may take a few minutes,” Danao added.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Valeriano de Leon, PNP director for operations said they continue to validate intelligence information to counter any possible threats.

"Rain or shine, your PNP will be present to secure this historic event. We are prepared and have already started deploying personnel to strategic locations, including border control points and the inauguration site. However, we must also ensure the safety of our personnel, who are willing to endure the weather and all the threats to ensure peace and order in another significant event in our nation's history," he said in a Laging Handa briefing.

Police commanders must ensure the availability of basic needs such as food and water for their personnel before, during, and after the inauguration rites, de Leon added.

Nat'l incident mgt team

Also on Wednesday, the Office of Civil Defense activated its National Incident Management Team at Rizal Park Open Air Auditorium to secure Thursday's inauguration rites.

"In preparation for the inauguration of President-elect Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. on 30 June 2022 at the National Museum of Fine Arts, Manila City, the National Incident Management Team was officially activated today, 29 June 2022," the OCD said in its Facebook page.

OCD deputy administrator for operations, Assistant Secretary Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro led the deployment of personnel who will help in monitoring and coordinating for emergency preparedness during the event.