Security at Asean venue intensified

MANILA, Philippines - Police have beefed up security at the venue of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Pasay City and Manila as authorities gave assurance yesterday the explosion that rocked Quiapo district late Friday was not a terror attack.

Chief Supt. Noel Baraceros, operations officer of the ASEAN Security Task Force (ASTF), said security forces have strengthened their presence at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) complex, particularly at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), the venue of the 30th ASEAN leaders’ summit.

Baraceros clarified the security adjustments are not related to the explosion in Quiapo where at least 14 people were injured.

“We strengthened our security because this is the main event,” Baraceros stressed.

Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesman Chief Supt. Dionardo Carlos told a news briefing that based on initial information, the explosion stemmed from a gang war in the Quiapo area.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla also said initial reports indicate the incident was gang-related.

“We are putting it under the law enforcement operations for the time being,” Padilla said.

Around 40,000 security officers are securing the ASEAN summit including the venue, routes and hotels where the delegates are billeted.

Policemen from the Civil Disturbance Management (CDM) were also redeployed in anticipation of protest rallies.

Three protest rallies were held in Liwasang Bonifacio, in Vito Cruz, Manila and along Quirino Avenue in Pasay City.

Baraceros said riot policemen managed to contain the protesters in the area to prevent them from getting near the ASEAN summit venue. – With Jaime Laude, Mayen Jaymalin