PNP forms task force for new ASEAN meet

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Oscar Calderon yesterday formed a task force that will secure the delegates to the forthcoming 39th Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) Economic Ministers summit to be held in Manila this month.

Calderon said the PNP Task Force AEM (ASEAN Economic Minister) was created to ensure peace and order during the event that will be attended by foreign and local delegates on Aug. 19, after the recent successful holding of the 40th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting and the 14th ASEAN Regional Forum in Manila.

Calderon said the economic ministers from 10 ASEAN member states and eight dialogue partners will meet from Aug. 19 to Aug. 27.

Deputy Director General Avelino Razon, the PNP Deputy Chief for Administration, was designated by Calderon to be the overall commander of Task Force AEM.

Razon will supervise the security operations in coordination with other government agencies that will perform support functions to the requirements of the ASEAN meet.

“Considering that the event is a major undertaking of international significance, preparations and arrangements have to be done early with emphasis on security to ensure the success of the meetings,” Calderon said.

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) under Deputy Director General Reynaldo Varilla, has organized Task Force Manila which will serve as the main operating arm of Task Force AEM.