PNP Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa. INQUIRER SOUTHERN LUZON / GEORGE GIO BRONDIAL
The entire Philippine National Police (PNP) is on full alert for the country’s hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) summit and related meetings from Nov. 11 to 15.
PNP chief Director General Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa said the 160,000-strong police force was fully prepared for the international event, which US President Donald Trump and other state leaders are expected to attend.
In a press conference at Camp Crame, Dela Rosa assured the public that the police had not monitored any threat on the Asean.
“We are prepared. We have not monitored any present and imminent threat towards the hosting of Asean but we are not relaxing,” Dela Rosa said.
“We will continue to monitor and strictly monitor the security measures that is being planned and implemented one year in the making. All we have to do is ask for the support of the public,” he said.
The police chief then appealed to the public to avoid areas where there will be a traffic lockdown. These include the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) complex, SMX-Mall of Asia (MOA) block, all in Pasay City.
Dela Rosa also advised the public not to fall for hoax advisories threatening of bombings in malls.
“Alam n’yo kapag ganitong season may malaking event maraming influence peddlers, magbebenta ng information, mananakot para alam mo na, to maintain their relevance but hoax yan. Makinig lang kayo sa advisory coming from the government security forces,” he said. /cbb