ASEAN security, traffic measures assured

50th Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. (Photo: ASEAN 2017/Facebook)

MANILA, Aug. 7 — Appropriate security and traffic measures are now in place to ensure the smooth and peaceful conclusion of the ongoing 50th ASEAN Ministers’ Meeting and 50th ASEAN Anniversary ceremonies.

ASEAN-related activities started on Aug. 2 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) and will end on the 9th.

Association of Southeast Asian Nations — Security Task Force Police Director Napoleon Taas said the traffic plan laid out by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the local governments of Manila, Pasay and Makati is meant to ensure the “smooth conduct of the activities with least inconvenience to the general public.”

“Public support and understanding is necessary to ensure the success of the events lined up during those dates,” he said.

Taas said the Grand Commemorative Celebration of ASEAN’s 50th Anniversary on August 8 will be highlighted by a parade and simultaneous lighting of ASEAN Landmark at PICC and Bonifacio Global Center.

Around 1,700 ASEAN foreign ministers and their spouses, senior officials and delegates are expected to arrive and participate.

Taas added advisories will be posted in strategic areas as well as in various media platforms to guide the general public and commuters on the traffic management plan so they can plan ahead or decide to defer going to areas surrounding the venues of the events.

Based on the traffic plan, affected areas that will be temporarily closed on Aug. 8 from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. include the CCP Complex being declared as the ASEAN Delegates Zone and the stretch along Roxas Boulevard south bound from P. Burgos St. to Buendia to pave way for the movement and surge of participants joining the Parade and Landmark Lighting.

A stop-and-go scheme will be activated during the passage of VIPs along designated delegates’ route while normal traffic flow resumes immediately after the passage of the last convoy element. Passing thru Diokno Boulevard going to Atang Dela Rama St. is strictly for PICC and Sofitel delegates only from Aug. 2 to 8.

Likewise, a total truck ban will be implemented on the said date along Roxas Boulevard from Buendia Avenue. to P. Burgos Street.

The usual schedule of ban for cargo trucks, which is from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. every day except Sundays and Holidays, will not be applied on the said date.

Affected trucks may turn right to EDSA, turn left to South Super Highway then proceed to Port area.

The ASTF is determined to strike a balance between intensified security measures for the ASEAN delegates and minimal inconvenience to the public during the period.

Trained security personnel from ASEAN Security Task Force are deployed to render duty round the clock to ensure safety and security of meeting venues, billeting hotels and delegates’ routes.

Medical teams and ambulances are positioned in designated posts to provide assistance to the public and security forces in case of emergencies. A multi-agency coordination center was activated to ensure close inter-agency coordination and facilitate speedy response.