Metropolitan Manila Development Authority
enforcers block motorists along EDSA during a dry run yesterday for the Asean summit next month. The dry run simulated a convoy carrying delegates from Clark Airbase in Pampanga to Conrad Hotel in Pasay City.
Around 19,000 policemen will be deployed to secure the 50th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Pasay City on Nov. 13 and 14, a police official said yesterday.
National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Director Oscar Albayalde was named head of Task Group Manila Shield, which was formed to secure the ASEAN summit from terrorist groups and criminal rings.
“We have not monitored any terror threat linked to the heads of states attending the event,” Albayalde said. “What we are monitoring are the left-leaning groups planning to hold protest actions during the event.”
At least 25 of the 28 leaders, including US President Donald Trump, have signified their intention to attend the summit at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay.
The NCRPO will implement Task Group Manila Shield starting Nov. 5.
Members of the Police Regional Commands 3, 4-A and 5 will augment the NCRPO personnel in securing the ASEAN meeting, Albayalde said.
He said protesters would not be allowed to hold rallies near the PICC.
“They will be allowed to hold protests along T.M. Kalaw Avenue in Manila but not along Roxas Boulevard and other places near the PICC,” Albayalde said.
“We would disperse them if they go near the site of the ASEAN summit,” he added.
Albayalde said they would lock down the PICC grounds and Sofitel Hotel starting Nov. 8.