PNP-NCRPO to deploy 5,500 police for Xi Jinping's visit

The Philippine National Police-National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) will deploy 5,500 police personnel for the upcoming state visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

"We will be deploying 5,500 uniformed police personnel," NCRPO Director Guillermo Eleazar said in an interview on Super Radyo dzBB on Saturday.

"Basically, manggagaling ito sa MPD (Manila Police District) at SPD (Southern Police District). May augmentation din tayo mula sa Police Regional Office-Calabarzon," Eleazar said.

The Chinese leader will make his first state visit to the Philippines on November 20-21, Malacañang said Thursday, as Manila and Beijing seek to strengthen ties. 

The Palace said Xi's upcoming visit was upon the invitation of the President.

"Nakahanda na po ang ating hanay at tuluy-tuloy ang pakikipag-ugnayan sa mga ahensiya na tutulong sa atin," the NCRPO chief said.

The Philippines is expected to sign at least five agreements with China during Xi’s visit, the Department of Finance has said.

The agreements cover loan and guarantee accords, economic and technical cooperation, support for the feasibility studies on the Philippines' infrastructure projects, and promoting cooperation on key projects in Mindanao under the ambitious "Build, Build, Build" program.

The exploration deal on the disputed areas in the South China Sea, however, will not be signed during the visit, according to the Department of Energy.

Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada has canceled classes in Manila and work in city government offices on Tuesday, November 20, due to Xi's state visit. —Ted Cordero/KG, GMA News