PNP chief honored to have served APEC, Papal visit

MANILA, Philippines – Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Ricardo Marquez feels appreciated and honored for heading the security forces during Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders’ Meeting and the Papal visit.

Marquez was the PNP operations chief during Pope Francis’s first visit in the country last January 15 to 19 and was the PNP chief during last week’s APEC Summit on November 17 to 20.

"Not everyone gets the opportunity to serve the country twice in very special capacity," Marquez said.

The PNP chief said the APEC security is more challenging since it involved 21 high officials and representatives of economies whose visit was being contested by militant groups as opposed to the Papal visit that was welcomed by Filipinos. However, he said he can’t help but feel appreciated with the success of the events.

He stressed that the security plan’s success was because of the intensive planning and preparations.

“Focus is not only on security but managing people on the ground,” Marquez said.

“Some delegates even left notes saying that the Philippines's hosting of APEC is the best while some vowed to return back to the country (for a more leisurely visit),” the PNP chief said.

Despite the success of Metro Manila hosting of APEC, Marquez said that another APEC-like event should be held instead in Clark Field, Pampanga since he observed Metro Manila is too tight and Clark is much roomier and has hosting facilities.

Marquez also reacted to reports by militant groups that the APEC security is an overkill, quoting netizens who said “OA (overacting) is much better than being sorry in the end.”