‘China more worried over Manila protests than Paris bombings’

MANILA, Philippines - None of the leaders attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Manila has raised “special concerns” regarding a potential backlash of the Paris terror attacks, with China appearing to be more worried about the likelihood of street protests in Manila against its leaders.

Philippine National Police chief Director General Ricardo Marquez said they are giving special attention to specific concerns of leaders and delegates to this week’s APEC summit.

“I have not received special concerns on the events in Paris. Otherwise they would have communicated additional concerns yesterday (Sunday), I was there at the command center since midnight on Sunday,” Marquez added.

“For example, China, there are a lot of people who would like to protest against China. There’s one individual who would just put up a placard atop his vehicle and just drive around Metro Manila,” Marquez said.

“The Chinese are very sensitive about this. These are examples of special concerns,” he explained.

Marquez said some specific concerns have been raised and the APEC Security Task Force has already taken appropriate action to address them.

He expressed confidence the security measures set in place would be enough to ensure the safety of the delegates.

“We believe our preparations for APEC is really good enough. There are areas being visited by our foreign communities and tourists, for example, Bonifacio Global City, Rockwell and Ermita. These areas are also fortified,” he said.

Task Force APEC 2015 spokesman Chief Supt. Wilben Mayor said they are confident “the visitors will be secure and safe in our country.”

 “We did not receive any APEC-related threats as of the moment,” Mayor said in a press briefing at the International Media Center.

The official said they are still verifying the authenticity of a purported video recording of local Islamic militants – claiming to be members of ISIS – threatening to launch attacks in the country.

In the two-minute online video, three masked men carrying firearms assailed President Aquino, members of Congress and their allies for their supposed atrocities against Muslims.  – Pia Lee Brago, Alexis Romero, Sheila Crisostomo