Iloilo City (CNN Philippines) — A total of 2,760 police officers started deployment in the city on Thursday (June 11) to ensure security for the two-day visit of President Benigno Aquino III, who will lead the commemoration of Independence Day the following day.
Of the total number of police officers, 1,160 cops came the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) and 1,600 from the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO).
The Civil Disturbance Management (CDM) teams also went on duty to prevent any disturbance from groups who might stage demonstrations.
Senior Supt. Cornelio Salinas, IPPO chief, said he hoped protesters would show deference to the historical significance of the event.
“It took 117 years for the Independence Day celebration to happen in Iloilo,” he said. “So I hope we would take pride in this by showing how disciplined Ilonggos are. We should exercise law and order and put things into the right perspective.”
President’s itinerary
On the first day of his visit, Aquino visited several infrastructure projects in Iloilo, one of which is a marker on the national highway named after his parents — the late former Sen. Benigno Aquino III and the late former President Corazon Aquino — at the junction of Barangay Ungka II in Pavia.
He also inaugurated the PP93-million Dungon IV Bridge on Sen. Benigno Aquino Avenue in Barangay Taft Norte, Mandurriao, Iloilo City.
A project related to the bridge will expand the four-lane road into eight lanes. The expansion will also include bike lanes and a two-lane service bridge.
The president also unveiled a historical marker.
On Independence Day itself, Aquino will lead the flag raising ceremony in Santa Barbara town.
Executive Director Ludovico Badoy of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines said around 90 members of the diplomatic corps, 29 Cabinet members, four senators, and four House representatives are expected to attend the traditional Vin d’honneur to be held at the Old Iloilo Capitol.
