Additional 500 troops deployed to Davao City to secure launch of ASEAN Chairmanship 2017

From the Manila Bulletin (Jan 12): Additional 500 troops deployed to Davao City to secure launch of ASEAN Chairmanship 2017

Around 500 troops from the Army, Navy and Air Force were flown to Davao City to augment the Philippine National Police (PNP) contingent tasked to secure the launching on Jan. 15 of the ASEAN chairmanship 2017.

These uniformed personnel consists of explosive ordinance disposal experts and K-9 units and their handlers, were flown Wednesday, said AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo.

Arevalo said these troops will be subordinated to Eastern Mindanao Command’s Joint Task Force Haribon which will is the premier military anti-terrorist unit in the area that is also tasked to support the PNP in securing the ASEAN Summit 2017.

He added additional troops will be deployed if needed.

Aside from terror threats, Joint Task Force Haribon is also tasked to respond to disaster incidents and internal security operation.

Despite these preparations, the AFP official said that they are still to detect any direct threats for the ASEAN Summit 2017.

http://news.mb.com.ph/2017/01/12/additional-500-troops-deployed-to-davao-city-to-secure-launch-of-asean-chairmanship-2017/