3,500 cops to secure Non-Aligned Movement confab

MANILA, Philippines - At least 3,500 policemen will be deployed to secure foreign ministers and delegates from Non-Aligned Movement nations for their meeting at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City on March 16 to 19.

The National Capital Region Police Office is wrapping up its security preparations by conducting simulated exercises, earthquake and fire drills at the PICC grounds and its environs.

Metro police chief Director Roberto Rosales said as of March 3 at least 133 delegates from 77 countries, including ministers and their deputies have signified their intention to attend the event, the biggest gathering in the country under the administration of President Arroyo. “We are now on the final sta­ ges of our security preparations which include the earthquake and fire drills at the PICC grounds this afternoon,” said Rosales in an interview.

“So far, we are on the right track and ready to deal with all internal and external security threats.” He said the simulated drills were resorted to “better prepare ourselves as law enforcers in providing security to all delegates.”

According to Rosales, the mobile, foot and intelligence personnel of the NCRPO and the Manila and Southern Police Districts were mobilized to secure the event.

CCTV cameras

Upon their arrival, the delegates will be escorted from the whole stretch of Airport Road up to their billeting areas along Roxas Blvd., in Pasay City. “Motorcycle policemen will do the same from the delegates’ billeting areas to the PICC and back,” he said.

The NCRPO chief said five closed-circuit TV cameras will be installed inside the PICC complex to strictly monitor the NAM delegates’ activities during the NAM confab. He said a big number of CCTV cameras will likewise be installed outside the PICC to monitor the site’s immediate environs, especially against rallyists, who are banned from coming near the PICC grounds.

Barely a week before the event, Rosales directed Chief Superintendents Rodolfo Magtibay and Jaime Calungsud, commanders of the MPD and SPD, respectively, to conduct raids on known lairs of criminals to flush them out and prevent them from victimi­zing NAM delegates.

He ordered the intensified serving of arrest warrants against criminals to throw them behind bars and ensure the peaceful and orderly holding of the event.

On the first day of the event on March 16, senior officials and civil society groups from the 77 countries will meet and tackle issues regarding their role in nation-building. The opening ceremony will be on March 17 and the closing ceremony the following day.