By Priam Nepomuceno
MANILA – Various measures are now being prepared to help ensure the safety and security during the ASEAN Summit this November, an official of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said on Monday.
AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla, in an interview with PTV-4’s “Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon,” said international events like the ASEAN Summit require careful planning among different agencies to prevent any hitch.
“Sa panig po namin sa Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas, ‘yung paghahanda po naka-tuon po tayo sa situational awareness natin, sa force readiness po natin, ‘yung protection against potential security threats, at of course, ‘yung mabilis na pagtugon natin kung kinakailangan (On the part of the AFP, our preparations are centered on situational awareness, force readiness, protection against potential security threats and of course, on fast response if necessary),” she said.
The AFP spokesperson also said the military is preparing for “possible contingencies” and stressed that all their preparations are proactive, coordinated and responsive.
“Hindi lamang tayo naghahanda para po sa nakikita nating banta, kundi pati po sa posibleng contingencies natin (We’re not only preparing against possible threats but also on contingencies),” she added.
When asked on what assets and how many personnel the AFP will deploy to secure the ASEAN Summit, Padilla said this depends on the approved security plan and requirements identified by the concerned security agencies, such as the Philippine National Police.
Padilla, however, said part of the capabilities include surveillance, communications, alongside mobility, intelligence and rapid response.
“What I can assure the public is that the AFP will make the necessary capabilities available in accordance with the approved plan and the requirements of our mission,” she added.
