200 Cops Train as Close-in Security for Foreign APEC Delegates in Cebu

At least 200 police officers have started a 10-day training course as close-in security details of foreign delegates of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit senior ministerial meetings in Cebu starting in August.

Ambassador Marciano Paynor, who heads the national organizing committee, earlier said Cebu will host 30-40 meetings on Aug. 24-Sept. 11, Oct. 8-10 and Oct. 12-14.

Organizers are expecting some 3,200 delegates to the APEC meetings in Cebu later this year.

Senior Superintendent Rey Lyndon Lawas, acting directorial staff chief of the Police Regional Office (PRO) 7, said street criminals such as pickpockets are also being monitored.

“We are aiming for a zero crime rate,” Lawas said.

More than 5,000 police personnel will be deployed in areas the 3,200 delegates are expected to visit, he said.

He said the PRO has organized a task force to monitor criminal groups who may take advantage of the events.

Lawas said the Armed Forces of the Philippines and law enforcement agencies will also help the police keep the summit’s key places peaceful.

“This is how we give so much attention for this upcoming activity,” Lawas said.

He said the PRO 7 has also requested neighboring regional offices like the PRO 8 to send personnel to Cebu as augmentation force for the summit.

“We cannot deploy all our personnel in the PRO 7 because we also have our normal day-to-day functions that we cannot leave,” Lawas said. (PNA) LAP/EB/EDS