PNP to deploy 16,823 security personnel for Asean Summit

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) is deploying 16,823 police officers and force multipliers to secure world leaders and delegates to the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit and Related ASEAN Summits in November.

Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano, National Capital Region Police Office director, said part of the contingent are 13,868 police personnel who are deployed for route, billet and venue security as well as 40 NCRPO officers with medical background to respond to emergencies.

Abrahano said 2,955 personnel from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority as well as the local governments of Pasay, Parañaque, Makati, Taguig and Manila would augment the police force.

He said the NCRPO is maximizing security preparations in compliance with the directive of PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.

With United States President Donald Trump attending the summit from Nov. 16 to 18, Abrahano said the PNP is regularly coordinating with the Presidential Security Command and other government agencies to keep not only the US leader, but also leaders of ASEAN member countries safe.

“We wouldn’t want to put the country in a bad light,” Abrahano said in a news briefing at Camp Crame, as he assured the public that the 25,000-strong NCRPO has sufficient personnel for anti-criminality operations to keep Metro Manila safe even if the PNP is busy with the summit.

Meanwhile, Commission on Higher Education Chairperson Shirley Agrupis acknowledged yesterday the concerns raised by a supplier, amid a viral post over the alleged failure of CHED to pay for ASEAN souvenir items.

Agrupis was reacting to the social media post of Amianan PH criticizing CHED and the Department of Energy for the delay in the payment for the souvenir items.

“CHED appreciates these concerns being brought to its attention and recognizes the importance of ensuring that suppliers and service providers are treated fairly and that obligations to them are properly fulfilled,” Agrupis said.

She said that the small-value procurement was undertaken at the regional level and does not ordinarily pass through the Office of the Chairperson.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Army is sending its best shooters to the 34th ASEAN Armies Rifle Meet in Malaysia from Nov. 8 to 13.

As defending champions, Army vice commander Maj. Gen. Efren Morados reminded troops to keep their composure amid rising pressures from the competition.