'Red alert' raised for APEC summit following Paris shooting

MANILA, Philippines - The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Saturday raised their alert status from "blue" to "red" in preparation for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Manila following the attacks in Paris, France.

According to reports, more than 150 people have been killed in the coordinated attacks in Paris.

French President Francois Hollande declared a state of emergency and ordered the closure of the country's borders.

"The alert status was also raised a day ahead of schedule as a matter of procedure following any international terrorist incident such as this morning's terrorist attack in Paris. The AFP and PNP extends its sincerest condolences to the families who lost loved ones," AFP spokesperson Col. Restituto Padilla said.

PNP head Director General Ricardo Marquez placed all PNP units nationwide on "full alert" to ensure the readiness of police forces to respond to any contingencies.

"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," Marquez said.

Marquez, however, clarified that the police has not monitored any specific or direct threat in the country.

In a statement, President Benigno Aquino III assured that the government is taking all necessary precautions and that the PNP is assessing the situation.

"There is no credible threat registered at this time but let us all be cooperative and vigilant. The Department of Foreign Affairs will be issuing updates on the situation in Paris and has been directed to render all necessary assistance to our countrymen in France," Aquino said.

The DFA reported that no Filipino casualty has been recorded yet in the attacks in France.

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