Noy to discuss Obama visit with PNP

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino will discuss today with police officials in Camp Crame various national security concerns, including the visit of US President Barrack Obama this month and the Association of Southeast Asia Police conference next month.

Sources said Aquino will also take up with PNP chief Director General Alan Purisima and other top police officials the alleged grumblings of officers from the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) over inequitable distribution and appointment to key positions.

Aquino might also discuss with top police officials the security preparations for the Sandiganbayan’s impending issuance of warrants of arrest against  Senators Juan Ponce Enrile, Jinggoy Estrada and Ramon Revilla Jr., the source added.

The STAR obtained a copy of a memorandum dated April 10, 2014 instructing the PNP directorial staff to prepare for Aquino’s visit to Camp Crame at 2 p.m. today.

“Additionally, be ready to answer questions during the command conference (to be presided by the  President) that fall under your  jurisdiction,” read the   memorandum. 

Obama will be in the Philippines on April 28 to further strengthen ties with the Philippines.

He will be on a week-long Asian swing that also includes Japan, South Korea, and Malaysia.

Obama’s visit is expected to reassure Asian allies at odds with China, like Japan and the Philippines, of American support amid long unresolved territorial conflicts and disputes.

The PNP will host the 34th ASEAN Chiefs of Police (ASEANAPOL) Conference in Manila next month.

In a joint communiqué ratified by heads of 10 national police agencies, members approved the PNP’s hosting of the annual ASEANAPOL conference in May.

Purisima participated in the recent 33rd ASEANAPOL Conference in Pattaya, Thailand.

Other national police agencies  represented in the ASEANAPOL are the Royal Brunei Police Force, Cambodian National Police Force, Indonesian National Police, Myanmar Police Force, Singapore Police Force, Socialist Republic of Vietnam Police, Royal Thai Police, Royal Malaysia Police, and Lao People’s Democratic Republic Police Force.

Security in and around Camp Crame is expected to be strict when Aquino arrives.