Metro Manila police director P/Maj. Gen. Felipe Natividad commended his men for the successful security operation during the historical inauguration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the National Museum of Fine Arts in Manila on Thursday.
“The National Capital Region Police Office acknowledged the selfless sacrifice of our men in partnership with our counterparts in the Armed Forces, various government agencies, and force multipliers for their contributions in the peaceful, orderly and successful inauguration of President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. on June 30 at the National Museum in Manila,” said Natividad in a statement.
More than 19,000 police officers, soldiers, coast guards, and members of other agencies were deployed during the event.
Natividad said the efforts of those men paid off since there was no significant untoward incident reported during the span of the ceremony.
“We owe this successful security operation to the effort, hard work and sacrifices of all those who participated in securing this event from the preparation stage up until the actual moment of this celebration,” he said.
Around 800 ‘VIP’ guests, including foreign visitors, legislators, and government officials, attended the colorful inauguration.
At least 5,000 Marcos supporters were allowed to view the ceremony from the golf course fronting the National Museum while around 1,000 others held a protest action in Plaza Miranda Freedom Park in Quiapo, Manila.
Three large LED televisions were placed in the vicinity of the golf course to ensure accessibility of visuals during the live coverage.
“Generally, the traffic situation was managed excellently as well as the area, venue and perimeter security. Moreover, in 514 police operations conducted, 12 persons were arrested, eight firearms were seized, and 27 other deadly weapons confiscated,” Natividad said.
“I commend the unwavering effort of our men together with the elements of other units which paved way towards a peaceful and secured inauguration. Also, I would like to thank our people for their cooperation and heartfelt support in our goal of keeping this event safe for all participants,” he said.