WITH the Philippines located within the Pacific Ring of Fire, a powerful earthquake could hit anytime, even while the world’s top leaders are gathered in the country for an economic meeting.
Philippine security agencies have prepared themselves for all potential threats–even earthquakes–that could mar the country’s hosting of the week-long Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec).
“We are talking of the possibility of [an earthquake] as we are in the Pacific Ring of Fire. We are also preparing for an earthquake during Apec,” Interior Secretary Mel Sarmiento said in a press briefing on Wednesday.
Sarmiento, Apec task force commander, and Philippine National Police chief Director General Ricardo Marquez and security officials launched to the media the Apec’s Multi-Agency Coordination Center at the One Esplanade in Pasay City.
Marquez said the 18 agencies under the committee on security, public order and emergency-preparedness have prepared for all threats, be it from various criminal elements and the environment.
In all billet hotels of the economic leaders and delegates, earthquake and fire drills have been conducted in the event of any disaster that might happen.
Sarmiento said even the possibility of food poisoning has been covered by the security plan.
But the authorities declined to give sensitive information that could be exploited by terror groups.
“We have to treat some things with confidentiality, especially on activities like this,” said Sarmiento.
Marquez said intelligence units have not monitored specific threats to the economic leaders’ meeting.
‘Successful’ Apec
Sarmiento said security forces will make sure that the country’s hosting of the Apec will be successful.
But he said this would not be possible if the public would not do their part and cooperate with the authorities.
“Ang buong mundo ay nakasentro sa Pilipinas lalo na sa pagdating ng leaders. At para masigurado na successful, nangangailangan ng tulong ng mga Pilipino,” Sarmiento said.