Aquino: APEC Leaders’ Meeting to push through

President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III conducts an inspection of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation venue, Tuesday (November 10). He was accompanied by Cabinet members led by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. (Malacañang Photo Bureau/Benhur Arcayan)

MANILA – Amid the terror attacks in Paris, President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III disclosed that he will not postpone the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting on November 18 and 19.

Aquino ordered increased security measures from the military and police and assured that delegates, representatives and the Filipino people will be kept safe.

“Ang tagubilin ng Pangulo ay nasentro sa pagpapaigting ng paghahandang panseguridad kaugnay ng gaganaping APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting sa darating na lingo sa harap ng matinding ligalig bunsod ng Paris terror attacks noong nakaraang Nobyember 13,” Presidential Communications Operations Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. said over government radio.

(The order of the President was centered on intensifying security preparations in  relation to APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting that will be held in the coming week amid Paris terror attacks last November 13.)

“Ang sabi ng Pangulo, mahalaga na maging ligtas ang ating bansa para dito sa gaganaping pagpupulong at maging panatag din ang kalooban ng ating mga mamamayan, na ang Sandatahang Lakas at ang Kapulisan ay ganap ang kahandaan at kakayahan para sa napakahalagang international event na kung saan host ang Pilipinas sa darating na linggo,” Coloma added.

(The President said that it is important to ensure that the country is safe for the upcoming gathering and assure our countrymen that the Armed Forces and the National Police are well prepared and equipped for this significant international event wherein the Philippines will serve as the host in the coming week.)

Ahead of the APEC summit, Aquino cautioned officials ‘not to overlook any details especially in the aspect of security.’ He also made sure that the country was fully prepared for the hosting.

First delegate to arrive

Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, who was a former United Nations official, was the first head of state to arrive in the Philippines to attend the APEC meetings. Her plane landed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 on Sunday afternoon.

Aside from her attendance on the annual gathering, Bachelet will also conduct a state visit. Vice President Jejomar “Jojo” Binay, Social Welfare Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Soliman, and several Cabinet members welcomed the leader at the airport.

She will also be welcomed by Aquino tomorrow at the Malacañang Palace.