NEWSFLASH

BANKS, SCHOOLS, MAYORS WANT MARINE PATROLS

Camp Crame, QC, Jan. 15, 2000 - Top officials of the Philippine National Police (PNP) said yesterday that there are mounting requests from local government units, banks and schools for more Philippine Marine troopers in Metro Manila on “tandem patrol” missions with police personnel against criminal elements.

In a press conference at Camp Crame, Quezon City, Chief Supt. Edgardo Aglipay, PNP National Region Police Office (NCRPO) director, disclosed that Quezon City Mayor Ismael Mathay Jr., Pasay City Mayor Jovito Claudio, and Mandaluyong City Mayor Benhur Abalos have asked for Marines to augment PNP foot patrols.

Several schools and banks have also asked the PNP for the deployment of additional Marine troopers and police patrols in the vicinity of financial districts and campuses to discourage robbers.

Among those who said they do not favor assigning Marines on school campuses were Education Undersecretary Nilo L. Rosas, Angeles University Foundation (AUF) President Dr. Emmanuel Y. Angeles, University of the Philippines (UP) President Dr. Francisco Nemenzo, and University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Arts and Letters (USTFAL) Dean Ophelia A. Dimalanta.

Officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said that at least 2,000 Philippine Marines are standing by for possible deployment in the National Capital Region.

Brig. Gen. Percival Zubala, Philippine Marine commandant, said that the Marines have been undergoing orientation on their new duties under the government's "Task Force Tulungan."

Aglipay said the Marines have not been issued .45 caliber pistols by the AFP. While clad in their khaki general office attire, the Marines are only allowed to carry truncheons.