‘No airport woes for WEF delegates’

MANILA, Philippines - Delegates to the World Economic Forum on East Asia (WEF-EA) will be given a smooth and warm welcome when they arrive at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) this week.

Malacañang yesterday said arrangements have been made to ensure WEF participants will not be inconvenienced when they arrive in Manila.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said measures have been implemented to ensure the smooth passage of the delegates at the NAIA despite ongoing rehabilitation works at the main terminal.

Measures have also been taken to deal with the traffic situation in the areas surrounding the airport terminals.

“We will continue to make sure that we can handle the volume, the increase in traffic that we will be expecting,” Valte said.

She said security preparations for the event are also in place.

“The heightened actions and plans of the Philippine National Police are in place to make sure that the conference will be as peaceful as possible,” Valte said.

The PNP has finalized its security plan for the 23rd World Economic Forum on East Asia to be held at the Makati business district from May 21 to 23.

According to the PNP, a total of 6,000 police officers will be deployed to secure the event that will also coincide with the Young Leaders’ Meeting on May 19 to 20, and the 10th ASEAN Finance Ministers Investors Seminar on May 21 at the Shangri-La Hotel and the Peninsula Manila in Makati City, respectively.

Some 1,000 delegates from 40 countries are expected to attend the event.

PNP chief Director General Alan Purisima has designated Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina to head the PNP National Task Force WEF.

Espina will be assisted by Director Ricardo Marquez, PNP director for operations, and supported by the deputy directors of concerned national headquarters’ directorial staff offices.  – With Mike Frialde