WASHINGTON, June 9 (UPI) -- Philippine authorities are planning increased security measures in Manila for June 12 Independence Day celebrations.
The National Capital Regional Police Office said 6,000 police would be deployed in the metropolitan Manila area on Monday. Meanwhile, 300 civil-disturbance management troops would be fielded by the military to back up civilian forces, the Manila Times reported Friday.
Independence Day celebrations this year come amid continuing fighting by the government against communist guerrillas, Muslim separatists, al-Qaida-connected terrorists.
It also comes amid continuing insecurity following disruption earlier this year of a planned coup by dissident military officers and other opponents to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
Intelligence information revealed by the government indicated rightest military personnel and communist guerrillas were attempting an alliance of convenience to topple the government.
Arroyo, accused of election fraud, will be the keynote speaker on June 12 at a ceremony in a Manila Park.
