Police forces in Palawan are on heightened alert for the anticipated visit of United States Vice President Kamala Harris to Puerto Princesa City, a police official revealed on Friday.
Harris, the highest-ranking US official to visit Puerto Princesa, will meet with civil society leaders, residents, and representatives of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Tuesday, November 22, as part of her official trip to the Philippines.
“The security plans have been laid down and all police units are already on heightened alert status as part of our proactive measures ahead of the visit of US Vice President Kamala D. Harris in Palawan next week,” Police Regional Office (PRO)-4B Mimaropa spokesperson Lt. Col. Klyde Kalyawen said when sought for comment.
PNP Spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said that the Presidential Security Group (PSG) would lead the detail for the security during the visit with policemen as augmentation forces.
“Ang PSG ang overall in charge sa [The PSG will in be charge of overall] security preparation for the visit of US VP Kamala Harris. The PNP will nonetheless provide the necessary assistance relating to the visit,” Fajardo told reporters in a message.
Harris’s Palawan trip follows bilateral meetings with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte in Manila on Monday, November 21.
Her meeting with Marcos would focus on strengthening Washington D.C.’s security alliances and economic relationship with the country. Discussions would also include partnerships on the digital economy and accelerating the transition to clean energy.
Harris would meet on Monday with Filipino women as well as civil society activists to show support for human rights and democratic resilience. Harris is flying to the Philippines from Thailand on Sunday, November 20.
Image credits: AP