By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos
MANILA – There is no security threat despite the anticipated prayer and candlelight rallies to mark the 80th birthday of former president Rodrigo Duterte on March 28, the National Security Council (NSC) said Wednesday.
“Wala pa naman kaming namo-monitor na significant na security threat with relation to the, kung ano ang puwede mangyari sa (We have not yet monitored any significant security threats in relation to what could happen on) March 28,” NSC Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya said in a panel discussion with Palace reporters.
The NSC, nevertheless, continues to monitor the developments ahead of Duterte’s birthday celebration, Malaya said.
“We are monitoring closely the situation…That’s the job of the NSC,” he said.
The Philippine National Police is in the final phase of preparing security measures to ensure peace and order during the prayer rally for the former chief executive’s 80th birthday at the Rotary Plaza in New Corella, Davao del Norte.
Duterte is currently detained at the International Criminal Court (ICC) Detention Center in The Hague, Netherlands.
He was the subject of an arrest warrant by the ICC over the alleged crimes against humanity committed due to his drug war carried out between Nov. 1, 2011 and March 16, 2019.
Duterte is scheduled to attend the ICC’s next hearing to confirm his charges on Sept. 23. (PNA)
