PNP to field 4,000 cops on promulgation day of Estrada case verdict

By Ronron
August 28, 2007

Some 4,000 policemen will be deployed in Metro Manila for the promulgation of the decision of the Sandiganbayan on the plunder case of former President Joseph Estrada.

National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Deputy Director General Reynaldo Varilla said Tuesday that the policemen will be deployed two days before the promulgation day.

“We will deploy troops two days before the D-day, once we know it. But as of now, we don’t know yet. So, I am touching base with the Sandiganbayan constantly,” Varilla said.

He said most of the troops will be deployed in the vicinity of the Sandiganbayan, and nearby areas, while some will be near the vicinity of Malacanang Palace.

Some 2,000 soldiers will also be placed on standby to support the police forces when necessary, Armed Forces National Capital Region Command (NCRCOM) chief Maj. Gen. Mohammad Ben Dolorfino said yesterday.

Varilla said they need to prepare for the event because Estrada still commands a following from the masses.

PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) chief Director Edgardo Doromal told a separate news briefing that they are monitoring the movements of known Estrada supporters, including those led by Ronald Lumbao and Renato Constantino.

Dolorfino said the demonstrators could reach as high as 7,000, based on the previous number of people who massed up in the last activity in the area, the State of the Nation Address of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in July.

Varilla answered in the negative, however, when asked if he will meet pro-Estrada groups to ask for their cooperation so no violence will erupt.

Nonetheless, he issued this appeal: “Let us be calm. Anyway, the case is with the court so we are sure that there was due process. Whatever is the outcome, our appeal to the public is for them to accept the verdict.”/DMS