Pres. Aquino convenes security cluster in light of Paris attacks

(File Photo by Lauro Montillano/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)

Manila—President Benigno Aquino III gathered yesterday the administration’s security cluster to update the preparations for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting.

The meeting was attended by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Interior Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, National Security Council Secretary-General Cesar Garcia and Philippine National Police Chief Ricardo Marquez, said Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte in a media briefing at the Malancañang.

“President Aquino wanted to ensure that all our preparations are in place and all contingencies have been planned for.

As he said, it is better to be over prepared than caught under prepared,” said Valte to the media, as reported by Manila Bulletin.

The meeting was held in response to the terror attacks in Paris, France on Saturday where death toll reached 120, the worst violence France has encountered since World War II. The Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, a jihadist extremist group, claimed responsibility for the attacks.

Malacañang has assured delegates and heads of states attending the APEC summit of their security.

“Our security officials are monitoring and assessing the situation and we are taking all necessary precautions to ensure the safety and security of all delegates in the AELM [APEC Leaders’ Meeting], especially the economic leaders,” Department of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Charles Jose said in the same report.