See - http://www.rappler.com/nation/13771-security-tightened-in-bar-exams
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MANILA, Philippines - Authorities have tightened security inside and around the University of Santo Tomas (UST) as the first day of this year's Bar examinations took place Sunday, October 7.
Some 5,686 law graduates are to take the 2012 Bar examinations, which will be held on all Sundays of October. Examinees will take up two subjects per exam day, plus a trial memorandum afternoon of the final exam day.
Manila Police District (MPD) Supt. James Apalla told Rappler that a good number of security personnel provided by the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Supreme Court, and UST have been installed to guard the school premises.
He said that each institution provided an estimated 100 security personnel to secure the campus.
Some 5,686 law graduates are to take the 2012 Bar examinations, which will be held on all Sundays of October. Examinees will take up two subjects per exam day, plus a trial memorandum afternoon of the final exam day.
Manila Police District (MPD) Supt. James Apalla told Rappler that a good number of security personnel provided by the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Supreme Court, and UST have been installed to guard the school premises.
He said that each institution provided an estimated 100 security personnel to secure the campus.
"Our (MPD's) concern is the perimeter security, especially that there is a liquor ban," Apalla explained.
Manila City mayor Alfredo Lim has issued EO 32, which prohibits the sale and distribution of beer and liquor between 4am and 8pm within 200 meters from the perimeter walls of UST while the exams are being held. Penalty includes fine of P200 or up to 6-month imprisonment, depending on the decision of the court.
Security personnel in UST also told Rappler that only 4 out of the 14 gates were opened in the morning to let the examinees in, and only one gate was opened to let the examinees out after their exams.
No bar ops
Apalla added that they are also in the lookout for possible bar operations outside UST, which the SC has banned since last year's examination. Since the examinations were moved from De La Salle University (DLSU) to UST last year, the SC has decided to ban the traditional bar operations, such as setting up of streamers, sendoffs, and cheering squads, outside the testing area.
It was this traditional activity of some law school organizations that was seen as a factor to the tragedy in the 2010 Bar exams in DLSU, where an explosion injured 42 people including a student who lost her legs.
But despite the banning, school organizations were able to cope. A member of a student organization from the University of Baguio told Rappler that organizations just come in small groups to fetch their fellows who took the exam, and just escort them to 'headquarters' they've established near the school.
"It was [a] hassle. But it's the same thing we did last year, so it's ok," the student, who requested not to reaveal his name, said.
Security personnel in UST also told Rappler that only 4 out of the 14 gates were opened in the morning to let the examinees in, and only one gate was opened to let the examinees out after their exams.
No bar ops
Apalla added that they are also in the lookout for possible bar operations outside UST, which the SC has banned since last year's examination. Since the examinations were moved from De La Salle University (DLSU) to UST last year, the SC has decided to ban the traditional bar operations, such as setting up of streamers, sendoffs, and cheering squads, outside the testing area.
It was this traditional activity of some law school organizations that was seen as a factor to the tragedy in the 2010 Bar exams in DLSU, where an explosion injured 42 people including a student who lost her legs.
But despite the banning, school organizations were able to cope. A member of a student organization from the University of Baguio told Rappler that organizations just come in small groups to fetch their fellows who took the exam, and just escort them to 'headquarters' they've established near the school.
"It was [a] hassle. But it's the same thing we did last year, so it's ok," the student, who requested not to reaveal his name, said.
Most relatives of the examinees interviewed by Rappler outside UST are in favor of the ban. Esperanza Flestado, whose daughter took the exam, said that safety is a enough valid reason. "The mood before [when there was still bar ops] is really tense," she said.
There are a few, though, who still favor having it again. One is Arnel Buela, also a law graduate and husband of one of the examinees. "It's the only exam that's being celebrated. An it only happens once a year," he reasoned out.
Overall, with the tight security and ban of activities outside UST, the first day of Bar exams has lapsed peacefully. - Rappler.com
There are a few, though, who still favor having it again. One is Arnel Buela, also a law graduate and husband of one of the examinees. "It's the only exam that's being celebrated. An it only happens once a year," he reasoned out.
Overall, with the tight security and ban of activities outside UST, the first day of Bar exams has lapsed peacefully. - Rappler.com
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