More police, soldiers to be seen in public places
President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered deployment of police and military personnel in crowded places, including malls and train stations, in accordance with his declaration of the national emergency to thwart lawless violence.
This was contained in a memorandum order, which Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea issued Tuesday on the authority of the president.
The order contains the guidelines in implementing Proclamation No. 55 declaring the national emergency on the basis of lawless violence in Mindanao following a terrorist attack on Friday night in Davao City , killing 14 people and wounding 70 others.
"To the extent possible, the DND (Department of National Defense) and the DILG (Department of Interior and Local Government) shall deploy AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) and PNP (Philippine National Police) personnel on major streets and thoroughfares, as well as near crowded places, such as malls and train stations, in order to increase troop and military visibility for deterrence and quick response purposes, without causing undue alarm to the public," the memorandum order said.
It said the DND and the DILG should immediately coordinate for the additional deployment of forces to suppress lawless violence and terror in Mindanao and to prevent such violence from spreading and escalating elsewhere in the country.
The military and the police were also ordered to "intensify their local and transnational intelligence operations" against individuals or groups suspected of committing or conspiring to commit acts of lawless violence.
The Department of Justice shall closely coordinate with the police and other law enforcement agencies for the prompt investigation and prosecution of the suspects.
The local government units were enjoined to cooperate with the authorities.
Medialdea assured Filipinos their constitutional rights shall be respected and no civil or political rights are suspended during the effectivity of the declaration of lawless violence.
He said warrantless search and arrest shall only be implemented in accordance with the laws.
He warned the policemen and the soldiers that any violation of constitutional rights shall be dealt with administratively, civilly or criminally.
The declaration of national emergency shall remain until Duterte lifts it. DMS
