PNP assures safety, security of world leaders in Apec summit

President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the official launch of the APEC Logo during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2015 kick-off ceremony at The Eye Ballroom of the Green Sun Hotel in Pasong Tamo Extension, Makati City. Malacañang Photo Bureau

The Philippine National Police assured that the 21 world leaders–including United States president Barack Obama–who will visit the Philippines for the Asia Pacific Economic (Apec) Leaders’ Meeting will be safe and secured.

Although close-in security of the leaders would come from the Presidential Security Group, the PNP will take charge of the security of the venue, traffic, anti-criminality operations and emergency preparedness.

Police said it is halfway done installing security cameras in the billeting areas of the foreign delegates as well as in several venues of the Apec meetings and related events which will take place from November 16 to November 20.

Leaders of Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, the United States, and Vietnam are expected to attend the Apec Economic Leaders’ Meeting from Nov. 17 to Nov. 20.

In a press briefing on Tuesday, PNP spokesperson Chief Superintendent Wilben Mayor said the police had started conducting dry runs of the security coverage for the event where at least 7,200 delegates from the participating countries are expected to attend.

“The PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines and other government agencies will be joining in ensuring that the Apec meetings are secured,” Mayor said.

Mayor declined to divulge the number of policemen to be deployed for Apec, but he assured that sufficient number of security forces will be sent in the field.

He said Metro Manila policemen will be augmented by personnel from police regional units in Central Luzon, Calabarzon, and Mimaropa.

APEC attendees are expected to reach more than 7,200 delegates from the participating countries. The number only represents the official delegates and does not include the number of foreign media delegations.

Since August, personnel of the Police Security and Protection Group have undergone series of training on close protection, billet security among others.