Weather cooperates at Marcos inaugural

MANILA, Philippines — The gloomy weather brought about by Tropical Depression Caloy did not dampen yesterday’s inauguration of President Marcos, making unnecessary the contingency plan of holding the ceremony indoors if it rained.

Manila Police District information chief Maj. Philipp Ines described the event as “very peaceful and very successful,” noting that no untoward incident was reported during inauguration day.

“All security plans were carried to the letter, and no untoward incident reported as of this time,” Ines said.

At least 7,000 people attended the inauguration of the country’s 17th president at the National Museum, including 5,000 supporters who gathered at the golf course in front of the inaugural stage, he added.

It was also an opportunity for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to show off its military assets in a military-civic parade, starting with a high-speed opener pass of the FA-50 PH jets that were used by the military during the war in Marawi. Also appearing were four A-29 Super Tucano aircraft, 10 SF-260 Marchetti aircraft, four Cessna aircraft and nine T-41 trainer aircraft.

Vehicles used by the AFP, Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Coast Guard – including tanks, boats, cannons, patrol cars and vehicles used for security, humanitarian assistance and disaster response – were also showcased during the parade.

After the military parade, civilians that include members of the medical frontliner sector, overseas Filipino workers, athletes, as well as members of the labor force, transport sector, farmers, fishers and the street management services sector also joined in. – Ralph Edwin Villanueva, Emmanuel Tupas