PNP eyes zero crime rate during WEF

By: Julliane Love De Jesus - 10 years ago

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—With its 6,000-strong deployed forces, the Philippine National Police (PNP) expects zero crime as the Philippines hosts the 23rd World Economic Forum (WEF) on East Asia.

Chief Superintendent Reuben Theodore Sindac, PNP Public Information chief, said in a statement that the police will not “let their guards down” ‎as they secure the public and the international delegates of the WEF.

“The security of delegates is of utmost importance, majority of our units stationed in Metro Manila are focused towards the World Economic Forum,” Sindac said.

But while the PNP ensures the security of the international event, the police official ‎reiterated that PNP units in other areas should not forget to take precautionary measures against domestic threats and lawless elements.

Last Saturday, the PNP formed National Task Force (NTF) “WEF”, with two task groups that would focus on Manila and in Calabarzon region, where some delegates are expected to visit.

The NTF for the three-day global forum is led by Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina, PNP Deputy Chief for Operations, and is assisted by Police Director Ricardo Marquez, PNP Director for Operations, as the Deputy NTF Commander.

As most conferences would be held at the Makati Central Business District, Makati City Police have also secured all the convergence points near the activity areas.

Sindac said police assistance desks were established, located strategically near the Manila Peninsula Hotel.

The PNP is also in close coordination with the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and Makati Public Safety Assistance (MAPSA) to ensure the smooth flow of traffic from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to the billeting areas of the delegates.

In the event that any untoward incident arises, Sindac added that a Crisis Response Group, composed of Special Action Forces (SAF) troopers, was created to respond to any contingency.

Joining President Benigno Aquino III in the WEF are around 600 leaders and delegates from the business, finance and civil sectors.

Among the leaders attending the three-day forum are Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and Myanmar Vice President Nyan Tun.