PNP includes PAGASA in security preparations for Asean meet

The Philippine National Police has included the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), the government weather bureau, in the security preparations for the 40th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting (AMM) to be held from July 29 to Aug. 2.

Aside from terror attacks, the PNP said it is watchful of the possible entry of typhoons during that week.

“Weather forecast is one of the big factors we consider in planning events like the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting. We don’t want our visitors to come here during typhoons,” Deputy Director General Avelino Razon Jr., Task Force AMM commander, said. “We have experienced that during the 12th ASEAN Summit, which was scheduled in December but was later moved to January due to an incoming typhoon.”

Ambassador Marciano Paynor, secretary-general and overall chairman of the Organizing Committee for the 40th ASEAN ministerial meet, said conferences during the AMM will include topics on counter-terrorism and promotion of the welfare of overseas workers, among others.

The PNP earlier said it is 95 percent ready to secure the estimated 1,500 participating foreign delegates.

Aside from PNP and Pagasa, Razon said security measures will be implemented by about 6,533 personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Coast Guard, Department of Health (DOH), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and local government units.

“As national task force commander, I am confident in saying that the PNP and all security contingencies participating in this meeting are very prepared already,” said Razon during the weekly forum Talakayan sa Isyu ng Pulis (TSIP) yesterday at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).

The PICC and the Cultural Center of the Philippines will be the venues of a majority of the conferences.

 According to Razon, the task forces are just attending to “little problems” like “logistical requirements, assignment of men, and orienting them to their tasks.”

Razon said they are not expecting any terror threat that may cause the event’s suspension.

Meanwhile, the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) said it has extensive and elaborate preparations for the arrival and departure of delegates to the AMM.

“The 40th AMM is an opportunity to showcase true Filipino values, culture and heritage. We want our guests to experience the genuine hospitality and uniqueness that Filipinos are known for,” MIAA general manager Alfonso Cusi said.

The MIAA has already started receiving delegates to the ministerial meeting. – With Michael Punongbayan