• Senator Antonio Trillanes IV to speak at 114th Independence Day program in Bacolod City

BACOLOD CITY – The Bacolod City Police Office has raised its security alert for the observance of the 114th Philippine Independence Day in the city today.

Senior Supt. Ricardo de la Paz, city police director, said they are deploying both security and traffic personnel to secure and ensure smooth traffic along the plaza.

The Police Station 1 is located in the area.

"We're ready. Our security measures are in place," De la Paz said in an interview.

He added that the police will also employ maximum tolerance to protestors to allow them to express their demands and concerns.

"What's important is that, while we respect their rights, they should also respect the rights of others," he said.

De la Paz said they are requesting the protestors to police their ranks and hold a peaceful assembly.

This year's Independence Day celebration is themed "Kalayaan: Pananagutan ng Bayan Para Sa Tuwid na Daan."

In Bacolod City, commemoration activities start at 6:30 a.m. with a flag raising and wreath-laying ceremonies at the plaza followed by a program at the Bacolod Arts, Youth, and Sports (BAYS) Center.

Senator Antonio Trillanes IV is the guest of honor and speaker.

Meanwhile, President Benigno S. Aquino III is leading the simultaneous flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremonies at 8 a.m. in key historical places of the country.

Aquino, who will lead a ceremony at the historic Barasoain Church in Malolos City, Bulacan, is expected to deliver a message focusing on this year's theme.

After the Malolos event, the President will rush back to Malacanang for the traditional vin d'honneur, a cocktail reception for the members of the diplomatic corps at 9 a.m.

Vice President Jejomar Binay is spearheading the flag-raising and wreath-laying rite at the Rizal National Monument in Rizal Park while Transportation and Communications Secretary Manuel Roxas is leading the same activity at the Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite.

In a statement, Senator Teofisto Guingona III has urged every Filipino to make the 114th Independence Day celebration even more meaningful by recommitting themselves to the continuing crusade against graft and corruption.

"Our nation's recent victories in our crusade against graft and corruption have made our 114th Independence Day celebration more meaningful," Guingona said.

Guingona noted that the successful Senate impeachment trial of former Chief Justice Renato Corona has shown that the mechanisms of democracy in the Philippines are working well.

"This victory has led to a renewed spirit and atmosphere of transparency and accountability in public service and governance. I believe all these were part of the vision for an independent Philippines which our heroes and forebears fought and died for," he said.*NLG