PRO-7 downsizes APEC security

CEBU, Philippines – The more than 300 police augmentation personnel deployed in Cebu to secure the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings have been recalled to their respective units.

Police Regional Office-7 director Chief Superintendent Prudencio Tom  Bañas said the 355 policemen have been ordered to report back to their mother units since the APEC ministerial meetings are now concentrated in Lapu-Lapu City.

“So, the deployed personnel at the hotels of Marco Polo, Marriott, Waterfront and other hotels in the main land, are already reduced,” said Bañas.

He said some of them, however, were transferred to Lapu-Lapu City while others were given the chance to rest and prepare again for the next month’s APEC activity still to be held in Cebu.

Although the number of policemen has been reduced, Bañas said they are still in full alert status.

“It just so happened na hindi na masyadong huge and wide ang area ng venues for the APEC meetings. Ngayon, sa Shangri-La na lang mostly ang structural and finance ministerial meetings so concentrate na dun ating police force,” said Bañas.

Bañas said most of the personnel being sent back to their units are from Negros Oriental and Siquijor.

He commended the policemen for enduring the challenges in securing the APEC delegates, including the challenge of being away from their family.

“I salute them and rest assured they will be given their corresponding awards,” he said.

Bañas said their experience during the APEC meetings could serve as part of their training for future big events the region will host like the International Eucharistic Congress, which will be held in Cebu City next year.

“Know that our police force is up to the challenge,” said Bañas. —/FPL (FREEMAN)