MIAA activates command center for APEC security

MANILA, Philippines — The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) activated on Sunday its command center to oversee activities related to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit at the country’s premier airport.

Officials of the MIAA and other agencies at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), including the Bureau of Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine, the Aviation Security Group (Avsegroup), the Office for Transportation Security, and other law enforcement offices, met on Sunday to iron out details on security and in ensuring the safety of all participating APEC heads of state and delegates.

MIAA senior assistant general manager Vicente Guerzon Jr. said that the command center, at the MIAA administration building, would make operations at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) smooth for participants in the historic meeting of world leaders in Manila.

Guerzon said that it would also enable the MIAA to easily coordinate with agencies and quickly act should there be an emergency or any contingency during APEC week.

The Avsegroup deployed its special operations unit, including armored personnel carriers and K9 units, to ensure the safety of the heads of state and other participants in the APEC leaders’ meeting.  SFM