2,000 cops, soldiers to secure Cavite APEC heads meeting

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines  – More than 2,000 police and military personnel will secure the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation-Senior Officials’ Meeting (APEC-SOM1) in Tagaytay City, Cavite, an official said yesterday.

Police officers will be dispatched ahead of schedule to ensure that all security systems and plans are in place, said Senior Superintendent Eduardo Garado, Region 4A deputy director for operation.

Traffic enforcers and village watchmen will help maintain a smooth flow of vehicles and implement a rerouting scheme.

“Police visibility in several areas will be increased like what was implemented during the papal visit,” Garado told The STAR.

He said 16 agencies are involved in the security preparations for the delegates who are expected to arrive on March 3 in Tagaytay.

A special task group has been created to secure the APEC officials, said Superintendent Chitadel Gaoiran, spokesperson for the Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) police office.

Officials said no threat has been monitored for the event.