Security all set for ASEAN Summit in Manila

From CNN Manila (Apr 24): Security all set for ASEAN Summit in Manila



The government is deploying around 41,000 personnel to secure the 30th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Manila next week.

Around 26,000 uniformed police officers and soldiers and 15,000 force multipliers from 21 government agencies are to be deployed to ensure the safety and security of all delegates from April 26 to 29.

In a send-off ceremony on Sunday, Philippine National Police Chief Ronald Dela Rosa said the PNP is aiming for zero untoward incident during the event.

"Sana yung ating pagka propesyonal, disiplinado, matapang, ibuhos natin lahat ngayon," Dela Rosa said. [Translation: I hope we put all our professionalism, discipline and courage in this event.]

This, even with the recent clashes between government forces and the Abu Sayyaf in Inabanga and Clarin, Bohol.

READ: AFP: 3 more Abu Sayyaf members killed in second clash with military in Clarin, Bohol

Interior and Local Government Sec. Catalino Cuy said the government is prepared for any incident that may transpire during the summit.

"We always consider na possible threat na yan. Kasama sa planning yan e. May contingecy tayo in case may ganun mamonitor as we approach the activity in Manila," said Cuy.[Translation: We will always consider it as a possible threat- it's part of planning. We have contingency plans in case we monitor something as we approach the activity in Manila.]

But authorities say there are no terrorist threats in next week's ASEAN summit.

Heads of government from 10 ASEAN member states are participating in the summit.

Members include Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, Laos, and the Philippines.

Of the 138 ASEAN-related meetings scheduled this year, two-thirds will be held in Manila.

The rest will be held at the 31st ASEAN summit in Clark and related meetings this November, where 22 heads of state -- including United Nations Secretary General António Guterres -- will attend.

Metro Manila Police Chief Oscar Albayalde said the upcoming summit will test the PNP's skills.

"In the coming days, our capability of providing security will be challenged once again as we are tasked to secure the safety of our ASEAN leaders and delegates," he said.

The ASEAN summit will be held at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City from April 26 to 29.

Malacañang earlier declared work suspension for the 30th ASEAN summit on April 27 and 28.

READ: Palace declares work suspension for ASEAN Summit

Authorities urge the public to take alternate routes to avoid heavy traffic.

To avoid any inconvenience, the public- especially those with flights on the said days- are advised to plan their trips ahead.

http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2017/04/23/Security-ASEAN-Summit-in-Manila.html