PNP: Security plans underway for Pope Francis visit, Apec 2015

Pope Francis. AP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Security preparations of the Philippine National Police (PNP) are now underway for the Apostolic Visit of Pope Francis and the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) in 2015.

PNP director for operations Ricardo Marquez said guidelines and standard procedures were disseminated to all PNP units tasked to secure the two major events.

“The PNP will provide operational support to the Presidential Security Group and close-in security services to the Pope’s entourage,” Marquez  said.

The police official said the PNP would provide security operations for public safety assistance, peace and order, crowd control, vehicular and pedestrian traffic direction, route parking, among others.

Marquez leads the Special Task Force Papal Visit 2015 wherein the PNP is a member of the multi-agency Papal Visit National Organizing Committee.

The police official said the PNP has also started security preparations for the 2015 Apec Summit to ensure the safety and security of all delegates and participants, and facilitation of uninterrupted conduct of the Apec Leaders Meeting.

Pope Francis is expected to arrive January 15-19 next year while the Apec summit is scheduled on November 17 to 18.

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