Police tightens security at UST for 2017 bar exams
The Manila Police District has enforced tightened security around the vicinity of the University as 7,227 aspiring lawyers have started taking the month-long bar examinations.
As part of the heightened security, the Supreme Court has ordered police officials to arrest anyone who would cause any trouble and offenders would be brought to a special court within the campus where they would be instantly tried for charges.
“Ito (Supreme Court Order) ang nagsasabi sa Supreme Court na arestuhin naming sila- lahat ng mangungulit dito. So walang magtuturo; kaya nga meron na kami nito, order na ‘to ng Supreme Court, lahat sila. Edi kung makulit ka, edi dito ka. Kami naman, sumusunod lang.” said Sr. Insp. Philip Ines, commander of the Espana police outpost.
A total of 700 police officials were deployed to ensure security in the campus.
Ines said that this year’s bar examination is more organized and everything is well-coordinated compared last year.
“Kung makikita niyo, mas-organized, at mas maayos ang daloy ng trapika, at kung makikita niyo, walang mga grupo dito kasi kinokontrol na agad naming bago pumunta dito. Wala ring mga naka-obstruct kasi lahat ito drop-off point lang dito, alis na kaagad.”
Only bar candidates were allowed to enter the campus. Barricades at the University gates prevented supporters from entering the examination premises.
However, the gate at P. Noval Street remained open for churchgoers at the Santissimo Rosario Chapel.
A liquor ban was also imposed to barangays near the campus which is effective on all Sundays of all November. — H.M.A.
