1,350 cops from Bicol, Calabarzon to augment  APEC security

LEGAZPI CITY—At least 1,350 policemen would be pulled out of their assignments in Bicol and Calabarzon regions for deployment to Metro Manila to help provide security for the more than 7,200 delegates from the 21 countries participating in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit on November 17 to 20. A total of 806 policemen will come from Bicol and another 544 will come from Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon), according to police officials. Senior Insp. Maria Louisa Calubaquib, spokesperson for the Bicol regional office of the Philippine National Police, said the Bicol Civil Disturbance Management team (CDM), which was divided into two battalions, would come from different units in Albay, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte and Sorsogon. Calubaquib said only CDM units from the Bicol mainland were tapped for APEC deployment, and cops from the island-provinces of Masbate and Catanduanes were no longer called, as it would be easier to move the police from the mainland. “Aside from the double effort, it would be more expensive if we include those who are not in the mainland. They (police from the Bicol mainland) are now on standby alert; all bags are packed and ready to go. We are just waiting for the directives from the national headquarters,” she said. The official said they have not been told their specific assignment at the APEC augmentation force. Earlier, the PNP in Calabarzon also announced that at least 544 anti-riot policemen from the region would be deployed to Metro Manila for  the duration of the APEC summit. Supt. Chitadel Gaoiran, spokesperson of Police Regional Office 4 based in Camp Vicente Lim in Canlubang, Laguna, said the CDM contingent would help ensure the safe and successful visit of APEC delegates, including their respective missions. Leaders from at least 21 countries, including United States President Barack Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin, are expected to attend the APEC Summit’s leaders meeting scheduled for Nov. 18 and 19. The Calabarzon contingents would also include elements from the Regional Public Safety Battalion, said Gaoiran. Gaoiran emphasized that the policemen have been instructed to give the “highest respect” for human rights in its operations during possible mass protests by leftist activists during the summit. “They are ordered to observe full maximum tolerance in dealing with demonstrators and rallyists,” Gaoiran said. Activists groups have vowed to conduct massive rallies and demonstration prior to, during and after the APEC Summit. Malacañang earlier suspended work in Metro Manila’s government offices from Nov. 17 to 20  to give way to security preparations and other activities related to the APEC Summit. President Aquino has also declared Nov. 18 and 19 as non-working holidays, during which the Apec leaders’ meeting will be held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City. The Commission on Higher Education and the Department of Education have also suspended classes from  Nov. 17 and 20 in Metro Manila to give way to the summit. Chief Supt. Edgar Layon, head of the contingent as commander of the PRO4 Special Task Group Public Order, said the group, all members in full anti-riot gears, has been scheduled to leave for Metro Manila on Nov. 11. He said the PNP would take care of the food provisions, billeting and equipment of the policemen during their APEC security duty.  SFM