PNP-Bicol in Full Alert Status

Legazpi City (PNA) — All Philippine National Police personnel in Bicol have been in full alert status since Friday, according to Police Senior Insp. Malu Calubaquib, Police Regional Office 5 (PRO5) spokesperson.

The current status is in connection with the Philippines’ hosting of the APEC Summit 2015, Calubaquib said.

The APEC Economic Leaders Meeting will be held at the PICC in Pasay City on Nov. 18-19.

The top-level meeting will be participated in by 21 heads of states from the Philippines, Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Russia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, US and Vietnam.

The PRO5 has also sent its Civil Disturbance Management Unit to Metro Manila.

The 806-member police contingent will help assist in maintaining peace and order during the entire APEc Summit.

The group will join its counterpart from regions 4A, 6 and 7.

The PRO5 also enforced the temporary suspension of the permit to carry firearms during the APEC Summit in compliance with the directive of higher police headquarters.

Calubaquib said only the members of the PNP, AFP and other law enforcement agencies who are on official duty and wearing uniform are exempted from the ban.

Calubaquib said this is part of the measures being done by authorities to ensure peace and security during the summit. (PNA) CTB/FGS/NIM/CBD