Air Force, Navy strengthen security preparations for APEC

MANILA, Philippines - Security preparations for the upcoming Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit were enhanced by the Air Force and the Navy during the Interoperability Exercise DAGIT 2015, which ends on Friday.

Air Force spokesman Col. Enrico Canaya clarified that the inclusion of the APEC in the scenarios was not due to a threat but was part of the preparations for the event.

“Considering that the visit of the heads of state is near, we incorporated the scenario in the exercise. It involved the transport of personnel, medical evacuation and the testing of capability,” Canaya said.

“There are no threats. It is just part of the normal preparations,” he added.

The APEC economic leaders’ meeting will be held from November 18 to 19 and will be attended by 21 heads of states.

Armed Forces Deputy Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Edgar Fallorina said government forces tasked to secure the APEC are preparing for any eventuality.

“We look at the security of APEC in all angles and preparation for a smooth and peaceful APEC will always in all aspects of security,” he said.

Aside from APEC security preparations, DAGIT (Dagat at Langit) 2015 drills dealt with integrated air defense, maritime security, search and rescue and test of Air Force and Navy joint warfare capabilities.

DAGIT 2015 started last September 7 and involved 230 air force soldiers and 150 Navy troopers. The closing rites will be held today (Sept. 18) at the 15th Strike Wing headquarters in Sangley Point, Cavite. 

The Air Force deployed 16 air assets during the exercise including S-211 jets, S-76 Air Ambulance, Sokol Rescue Helicopter, UH-1H and UH-1D and C-130 while the Navy sent an Islander plane, an AW109E helicopter, frigate BRP Gregorio del Pilar, a communications van, and a medical team.

DAGIT started in 2003 with the Naval Air Group and 15th Strike Wing as the participating units.