US donates blast mitigation equipment to PNP for Apec security

The US Department of Energy formally turned over Mobile Detection System vans and kits to deter threats of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear weapons to the PNP in a brief ceremony at Camp Crame on Monday. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Another batch of blast mitigation equipment from the United States government was donated to the Philippine National Police (PNP) to intensify the security measures for the ongoing Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) meetings in Metro Manila.

Four mobile detection system vans with detector module kits to deter threats of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear weapons from the US Department of Energy were formally turned over to the PNP in a brief ceremony at Camp Crame on Monday.

PNP chief Director General Ricardo Marquez, who is also the Apec security task force commander, said these vans will be helpful in the police’s security for the week-long event.

He said the equipment will be used to scan Apec venues if there is a presence of radioactive materials that could be used in bomb-making.

“It’s timely these vans arrived last week. We have more mobile detection equipment to cover all the Apec venues,” Marquez said in an ambush interview.

The donations include Mercedez Benz Sprinter vans with installed detector module kits, four sets of office accessories and traffic control safety equipment, four radiation detection backpacks and associated accessories, 12 radiation pager personal radiation detectors, four FLIR Systems identiFINDER 2 NG Radioactive Isotope Devices (RIIDs), four Rapiscan PRM-470 CG survey meters, a replacement laptop, maintenance and source kits.

Last week, the PNP also received bomb-detonating robots, six Ford Ranger pickup trucks and other explosive and ordnance disposal equipment from the US Bureau of Diplomatic Security Office of Anti-Terrorism Assistance.

Michael Klecheski, Deputy Chief of Mission from the US Embassy said the US was “pleased” with how the government prepared for the economic event where world leaders, including US President Barack Obama, and thousands of foreign delegates are expected to attend.

“I am glad they arrived in time for Apec and I have to tell you, the US government is very excited about Apec and we have great expectations for it. We are very pleased that the way it has been organized. We now look forward to the actual proceedings,” Klecheski said in a speech.

He said the partnership of the US energy department and the PNP dates back to 2005 to interdict illicit trafficking of nuclear and radiological materials through local ports.

Marquez on Saturday had placed all police units nationwide on full alert for the international event. Policemen from the regions have been sent to Metro Manila to augment police forces from the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO).

Police units that will have direct participation in the Apec security are the Police Security and Protection Group (PSPG), Special Action Force (SAF), Intelligence Group (IG), Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), Aviation Security Group (AVSEGROUP), Highway Patrol Group (HPG), Health Service (HS), and Communication and Electronics Service (CES).