PNP to public: Please cooperate, world watches us for Apec summit

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

The world is watching so please cooperate with us, the Philippine National Police urged the public as the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit approaches.

Police urged the public, especially the residents of Metro Manila, to extend their patience especially when dry runs for the Apec security are being held in preparation for the event on Nov. 17 to Nov. 20.

Traffic will be rerouted as some major roads will be closed while some flights have been cancelled to give way for the attendees–including United States President Barack Obama–of the world leaders’ meeting at the four-day summit.

“We appeal to the public na kapag medyo naabala tayo, isipin lang natin na hanggang Nov. 20 lang naman ang konting abala (that if we’re being delayed, let’s think we will only be disturbed until Nov. 20). After all, it’s the Filipinos and our country are at stake here,” Chief Superintendent Wilben Mayor, PNP spokesperson, said in a press briefing on Tuesday.

“The world is watching us. This is not only a local activity. All world leaders will be here so let us again show cooperation with the authorities just like when the Pope visited the country,” he added.

The PNP also took charge of the security during the five-day visit of Pope Francis in January.

Twenty one leaders from Apec member-countries will visit the country while at least 7,200 foreign delegates are expected to join the high-level business event.

Meanwhile, Mayor said no threat groups were monitored by the PNP as of latest.

But he said intelligence units of different agencies are closely monitoring threat groups from the South who might sow terror during the Apec summit.

“What we can assure the public is that, nakatutok ‘yung intelligence units natin sa kanila. Our effort during the Papal visit will be equated to our effort for Apec,” he added.

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