Coast Guard deploys special op group to guard US Embassy

From GMA News (Aug 5): Coast Guard deploys special op group to guard US Embassy

In the wake of a global alert warning of possible terrorist attacks on the United States, the Philippine Coast Guard on Monday deployed an elite Special Operations Group team to help guard the US Embassy in Manila.

The Special Operations Group will patrol the portion of Manila Bay near the Embassy, radio dzBB's Carlo Mateo reported.

More SOG teams were placed on standby, ready for deployment if needed, the report said.

The report said police are already monitoring the embassy premises.

Meanwhile, the Coast Guard and Philippine Ports Authority are on guard in other ports, with K-9 and sea marshal units.

AFP ready to provide extra security

Earlier Monday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said it is prepared to provide extra security to the Embassy.

AFP spokesman Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said the AFP presently has units that are helping secure the embassy premises along Roxas Boulevard.

"If they will request [additional security], we can heed that request. Sa ngayon wala pa po," Zagala said in an interview on dzBB radio.

For now, Zagala said the AFP will have its field units stay "vigilant" and monitor any unusual activity, to prevent any threat or act of terrorism.

On Sunday, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said National Security Adviser Cesar Garcia Jr. has ordered intensified intelligence-gathering and target-hardening efforts.

The International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) over the weekend issued a global security alert and advised increased vigilance for terrorist activity.

It cited suspected Al Qaeda involvement in several recent prison escapes.

"With suspected Al Qaeda involvement in several of the breakouts which led to the escape of hundreds of terrorists and other criminals, the INTERPOL alert requests the Organization’s 190 member countries’ assistance in order to determine whether any of these recent events are coordinated or linked," it said.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/320710/news/nation/coast-guard-deploys-special-op-group-to-guard-us-embassy