MANILA, Philippines – Security officials did a last-minute check at the International Media Center (IMC) to assess the government’s preparations for its hosting of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders’ Meeting this week.
Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin inspected the International Media Center, where foreign and local journalists will be stationing for the entire duration of summit.
Gazmin was accompanied by Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr, and Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff Hernando Iriberri.
In an interview with reporters, Gazmin said they are satisfied with the preparations being undertaken by the organizers.
Asked about the overall security preparations in light of the recent attacks in France, Gazmin said: “We are preparing for all contingencies and we… That’s why we’re doing our last minute check to make sure that no stones are kept unturned.”
On Sunday, Interior and Local Government Secretary Mel Senen S. Sarmiento issued a public advisory on APEC.
He said that following the deadly attacks in Paris, President Aquino has ordered a heightened level of security for the delegates and participants of APEC next week.
“We would like to forewarn the public to expect heavy traffic that may cause inconvenience in areas where APEC activities will be conducted,” he said in the advisory.
“We advise them to, as much as possible, avoid APEC venues to include all roads leading to these areas next week.”
At present, security forces are positioned in Metro Manila beyond the regular deployment scale.
He said this should add to the peace of mind and high level of confidence of the public and provide optimism for a fruitful and orderly APEC 2015 leaders’ summit.
More than 100 people died in Paris, France, in simultaneous attacks claimed by Muslim extremists.
Security officials do last-minute inspection of International Media Center
