The Philippine National Police (PNP) is now on full alert in preparation for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Summit.
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“At 8:20 a.m. today, {PNP Chief], Police Director General Ricardo C. Marquez, placed all PNP units nationwide under full alert condition to ensure availability and operational readiness of police forces to respond to any contingencies,” Security Task Force Apec 2015 spokesperson Chief Supt. Wilben Mayor said in a statement on Saturday.
“Upgrading of the alert condition of police units is a matter of routine procedure under similar situations involving international security concerns, and necessitated further by ongoing security operations in Metro Manila where the Philippine government is hosting the 2015 APEC summit among 21 economic leaders,” he added.
Mayor said they have not monitored any direct threat against the Apec Summit but the police has already “[hardened] measures on vital installations, particularly seaports, airports,” as well as the rail stations.
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“We have received reports of scare messages circulating through telecom and social media networks warning of purported scenarios and events. These only serve to add to public anxiety that may further lead to hysteria and panic. Please disregard such messages and report immediately to authorities,” he said.
Mayor said the large number of law enforcers in Metro Manila should help allay fears of the public and raise the level of confidence.
Heads of states of Apec’s member economies and their representatives will be arriving in Manila next week to discuss growth and development in the Asia-Pacific region. CDG