NBI ready for Asean summit

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is ready for Task Force Masid, the government’s security plan for the 12th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit set in Cebu City next week.

Spearheaded by a special team of agents, the NBI will gather intelligence information in coordination with other law enforcement agencies to prevent possible terrorist attacks.

Lawyer Ricardo Diaz, NBI Criminal Investigation Division chief, said agents have started background checks on establishments, as well as staff of hotels where the delegates will be billeted.

"This way, we could help ensure the safety of the ASEAN delegates," he said.

The NBI will also deploy forensic experts in Cebu City during the summit from Dec. 10 to 14, he added.

The NBI is the government’s supporting arm in implementing Task Force Masid, which is being led by the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.

Earlier, authorities said some 3,000 delegates from ASEAN, including heads of states and ministers of trade, investments, energy, education, culture and security, and 2,000 foreign journalists are expected to attend the event.

The government has vowed to provide maximum security during the summit amid threats from terrorists supposedly entrenched in the jungles of southern Mindanao. — Edu Punay