Military tightens security for Duterte's visit to Basilan
July 20, 2016 | 7:06pm
ZAMBOANGA CITY — Military forces tightened security in preparation for President Rodrigo Duterte's visit on Thursday to the operational ground in Zamboanga City and in the strife province of Basilan, according to a security official.
The visit of Duterte to the military forces will be his first as commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
Maj. Filemon Tan Jr., spokesman of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), said the visit appeared to be about the military and security as top defense and security officials led by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana would accompany the president.
“I have not heard of any visit I supposed this is the first security visit to his forces,” Tan said.
Tan said they would follow security protocol for the president's arrival.
“We have a system for the security (of the president. It’s a protocol to secure the president the best way we can,” Tan said without elaborating security matters and considerations.
The president is expected to arrive in this city Thursday morning and will fly straight to Basilan.
Duterte will visit the ground forces in Basilan and will hear and see for himself the ongoing security operations against the Abu Sayyaf. He is expected to talk with the ground forces.
“He should be briefed on the situation on the ground,” Tan said. He added that the president would fly back to this city for a security briefing led by Westmincom chief Lt. Gen. Mayoralgo dela Cruz.
Duterte would be briefed on the ongoing military operations in Sulu against the Abu Sayyaf aimed at securing the release of nine foreign hostages — seven Indonesians and two westerners — and three locals.
There were reports the Abu Sayyaf has also taken at least five Malaysian tugboat crewmen seized Monday off Lahad Datu, Sabah.
BrandSpace Articles
<
>
Philstar
x
- Latest
- Trending
Trending
Latest
Trending
By Diana Lhyd Suelto | 8 hours ago
By Michael Punongbayan | 8 hours ago
By Ghio Ong | 8 hours ago
By Bella Cariaso | 8 hours ago
Latest
By Alexis Romero | 1 day ago
By Alexis Romero | 1 day ago
By Mayen Jaymalin | 1 day ago
By Alexis Romero | 1 day ago
Recommended
21 hours ago
