Dry run for Apec

MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday said the recent visit of Pope Francis and the successful implementation of the papal security plan by the government became a “dry run” for the ongoing security preparations for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in November.

“The visit of the Pope helped,” DFA spokesperson Charles Jose said when asked if the Pontiff’s recent visit affected the security preparations for the international summit.

“It’s been said that we had a dry run [with the Pope’s visit] and it was shown that we are really capable of ensuring the security of [the Pope],” Jose told a press briefing at Malacañang.