First day of APEC goes well

CEBU, Philippines - The first day of the Asia-Pacific Economic Summit in Cebu yesterday was “generally peaceful” despite a rally along the Serging Osmeña Boulevard.

“May nag-rally pero mga 40 lang yata yun. Naglakad lang naman sila. Walang violence na reaction sa mga rallyista,” said Chief Superintendent. Prudencio Tom Bañas, director of the Police Regional Office — 7.

He credited the personnel from the different police units, as well as the augmentation forces from other provinces, for maintaining the peace and order in Cebu.

“Nagpapasalamat kami sa kanila. Everything went smoothly,” Bañas said.

At least 2,800 policemen from Negros, Bohol and Siquijor and from the Regional Public Safety Battalion-7 have been deployed around Metro Cebu, especially at hotels that are housing foreign delegates.

At least 100 policemen from the Special Action Forces from the national headquarters have also been deployed to help respond to serious emergencies.

Earlier, Bañas asked the public’s help to ensure the success of the meetings here.

Last Friday, the day before the opening of APEC summit in Cebu, the chief of the Philippine National Police, Police Director General Ricardo Marquez, flew in to assess local security preparation personally.

Yesterday, Marquez reminded his men to coordinate and cooperate with each other in maintaining peace and order throughout the event.

Meanwhile, Bañas also said they are ready for today’s visit of Vice President Jejomar Binay, as well as that of President Benigno Aquino III in Cebu tomorrow.

“Mayroon na kaming security preparation para sa kanila. Ready na kami para diyan,” he said.  (FREEMAN)