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AFP outlines role in securing international events in Davao City


An augmentation team was flown to Davao City as part of efforts to strengthen the security measures for two international events that would be held next week.

At the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and the Miss Universe pageant, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Public Affairs Office Chief Col. Edgard Arevalo said Wednesday the AFP, along with the Philippine Navy and Air Force, will help the Philippine National Police (PNP) secure the Davao SMX Convention Center.

"This includes mga K9 units and EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) team para sa part ng ating security package. Meron tayong joint Task Force Haribon sa Davao City na syang magiging point unit natin sa gagawing security o pagse-secure ng ASEAN summit," Arevalo explained.

"Tungkol naman sa Miss Universe... this time sa mga ibat't-bang regions or areas na magkakaroon ng activities (so) meron tayong kanya-kanyang unit na tasked para mag-provide ng security," he continued.

The task force, with the augmentation team composed of about 500 security personnel, will make "appropriate assessments" and request for more forces from corresponding areas as the need arises.

"Siya ang point so sila ang mag-assess and if ever magkakaroon pa talaga ng pangangailan, yung mga areas commands na ang bahalang magprovide ng immediate na pangangailan, ng personnel," Arevalo said.

The PNP said there is no direct threat to the conduct of the international beauty contest, but Arevalo assured that the AFP together with the PNP will swiftly act on any direct threat to either event.

"Siguruhin natin at ipakita sa buong mundo, sa ASEAN Summit man o sa Miss Universe pageant man, na ang Pilipinas is a secure place that the Philippines is indeed ready for development and a place that they could go to and give their, entrust their capital," said Arevalo.

The Philippines' chairmanship of the ASEAN Summit will kick off on January 15.

The country will host the 30th ASEAN Summit in April; the 50th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting and related meetings coinciding with ASEAN’s 50th anniversary celebration in Metro Manila in August; and the 31st ASEAN Summit in Clark, Pampanga in November.

Candidates to the Miss Universe pageant started arriving on Tuesday while pre-pageant activities will begin on January 14 in Boracay, which will be followed by a tour of Vigan, Cebu, Baguio, Batangas and Davao. — BAP, GMA News

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