PNP deploys 6,000 cops for 23rd World Economic Forum

Philippine National Police mass oath-taking. File photo courtesy of PNP on Facebook.

MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) will be deploying 6,000 police officers to secure delegates of the 23rd World Economic Forum (WEF) on East Asia which will be held this coming May 21 to 23 at the Makati Central Business District.

The event, hosted by the Philippines, coincides with the Young Leaders’ Meeting on May 19 to 20, and the 10th ASEAN Finance Ministers Investors Seminar (AFMIS) on May 21 at the Shangri-la Hotel and Manila Peninsula Hotel in Makati City.

Some 1,000 delegates from 40 countries, including 10 heads of economies are expected to attend.

PNP chief, Director General Alan LM Purisima has designated the Deputy Chief for Operations, Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina to head the PNP National Task Force (NTF) “WEF”.

Espina will be assisted by Police Director Ricardo Marquez, PNP Director for Operations as Deputy Task Force Commander, and supported by the Deputy Directors of concerned National Headquarters Directorial Staff Offices.

NTF “WEF” enters its Operational Phase effective May 17-23, 2014 with the activation and full implementation of all plans, monitoring, and continuous evaluation and assessment of the performance of security forces throughdaily debriefing and review.

It will exercise operational supervision and control of Task Group “Manila” and Task Group “Tourism”.

TG Manila will be supported by several sub task groups that will perform various functions.

These sub task groups will be composed of contingentsfrom the National Capital Region Police Office, Police Security and Protection Group, Special Action Force, Intelligence Group, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, Aviation Security Group, Highway Patrol Group, Health Service, and Communication and Electronics Service.

TG Tourism, meanwhile, will be supported by Police Regional Office 3 and 4A in Central Luzon and Southern Tagalog where some delegates are expected to visit.

NTF “WEF” has instructed all PNP units that are not directly involved in the WEF 2014 security to maintain vigilance and to undertake proactive as well as precautionary measures against possible hostile actions of domestic threat groups and criminal elements that may take advantage of the situation.

“We are putting our best foot forward in this international event as the country welcomes the prospect of sharing the strides we have made in restoring integrity in our institutions and building a society that isdynamic, inclusive, and equitably progressive,” Espina said.

NTF “WEF” will coordinate directly with other national government agencies that are likewise involved in security and organizational functions for WEF 2014.

These are: Department of Finance, Department of Foreign Affairs, Presidential Security Group, Bureau of Immigration, Manila International Airport Authority, Metro Manila Development Authority, and concerned localgovernment units.