Authorities of the Special Security Service (SSS), which has the mandate to protect the Presidency, the first family and other dignitaries, has strongly warned the legislators to be cognizant of stringent security measures to be instituted during the July 26 Independence Day celebration.

The SSS warning was contained in a letter dated July 9, 2010, addressed to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alex Tyler and members of that august body.

The SSS warning letter a copy of which is in the possession of a local daily, also explained further, “Regarding the present security situation which is not so favorable and taking into strong consideration our statutory mandate (to protect the President, his or her first family dignitaries) without   fear or favor, we which to acknowledge the august body that the SSS will institute strict jacket security measures to the fullest during the entire celebration”.

In the letter the SSS also stressed, “As usual, we will give the fullest cooperation and respect to the honorable members of the House of Representatives that no unauthorized vehicles will be allowed to form part of the Presidential motorcade during all movements of the President’s convoy. All vehicles must stay at a distance of 100 yards from the convoy.”

At the same time, the SSS letter said, it deem it necessary to inform the lawmakers that their visitors will be subjected to routine security procedures, even though representatives are not require to”, the letter concluded.