DILG: Asean meetings in Bohol to push through despite clash

The scheduled Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) meetings in Bohol starting on Wednesday will “go on as planned” despite the recent clash between security forces and Abu Sayyaf bandits on the island, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) said Monday morning.

DILG officer-in-charge Catalino S. Cuy assured the participants that the ministerial meetings, sponsored by the Department of Trade and Industry, will push through from April 19 to 20.

“(Bohol) might as well be considered a well-fortified and (the) most secure place in the country right now,” said Cuy, chair of the security committee of the Asean National Organizing Committee.

“The military and the police are on top of the situation. We would like to assure the delegates, tourists, and residents alike that we are exerting our best efforts for Bohol,” he added.

Cuy said the Bohol meetings will be held at the Hennan Resort in Panglao Island and will include the Intersessional Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Trade Negotiating Committee Asean Caucus Meeting (ISSL-RCEP TNC).

Cuy said about 4,000 personnel from the Philippine National Police, the military, emergency response units and various agencies will be deployed during the Asean Summit meetings, which are expected to draw around 200 delegates.

On April 12, Abu Sayyaf bandits clashed with security forces in Inabangan, Bohol, leaving six suspected bandits dead while three soldiers and a policeman were killed.

The military is reportedly still hunting down nine Abu Sayyaf members on the island. JE/rga