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The Philippine National Police (PNP) will implement a gun ban in Metro Manila for the duration of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting next week.
The PNP will suspend all permits to carry of licensed gun owners from November 16 to 20.
PNP chief Director General Ricardo Marquez said this is part of the security preparations to ensure the safety of the delegates and their families who will attend the APEC Summit.
“Only the members of the PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and other Law Enforcement Agencies who are performing official duties and in agency-prescribed uniforms will be allowed to carry firearms,” said Marquez.
Meanwhile, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) is now on full alert status. Around 18,000 cops are deployed to secure the APEC meeting areas and other vital installations.
NCRPO spokesperson Chief Inspector Kim Molitas said officers have been issued the necessary equipment and provisions for the duration of the APEC Summit.
They will be tasked to help secure 16 hotels and other venues for the event.
As part of the preparations, Task Force APEC, led by the PNP, will conduct a full-scale security simulation exercise at APEC designated areas starting 6 a.m. Saturday.
This will involve drills on escort, evacuation, security and road closures.
Marquez will lead the exercise from the Task Force APEC command center at One Esplanade, Manila.
The exercise will involve the entire 24,000-strong PNP contingent, with AFP and emergency service units also taking part.
The PNP is advising motorists to expect heavy traffic in Pasay, Makati, and Manila because of the simulation exercise.
Text: Raffy Santos, ABS-CBN News
Photo: Stock
This article has been re-published with permission from ABS-CBNnews.com.
