AFP beefs up security preparations for ASEAN Summit

FILE: AFP (PNA Photo)

MANILA — State troops have beefed up security preparations in Metro Manila, ahead of the 31st ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings, a military official said Saturday.

In a statement, AFP spokesperson Maj. Gen. Restituto Padilla said the Joint Task Force National Capital Region (JTFNCR), headed by Brig. Gen. Jesus A. Manangquil Jr., will act as the lead security unit of the military in working closely with concerned agencies to ensure the safety of the participants in the ASEAN Summit.

JTFNCR has devised Oplan ASEAN Leaders’ Summit (ALS) wherein five groups will be deployed to perform security and emergency response operations in support of other government agencies during the conduct of the summit.

More than 20 world leaders, including US President Donald Trump, are expected to attend the event.

JTFNCR will also provide augmentation forces to the National Capital Region Police Office, and the Presidential Security Group.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government earlier said close to 60,000 soldiers and police will be deployed for the ASEAN summit.

Security personnel will be assigned to man airports, venues, and major thoroughfares.

Padilla said the JTFNCR will also provide Emergency Response Units, such as Search, Rescue and Retrieval Units and Ambu-Medic Units, to provide rescue and health support to delegates and all deployed forces. (PNA)