MANILA, Philippines - The huge number of policemen involved in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) face the same problems they encountered in previous high-risk events – same food package, no cash allowance and no billeting.
Many of them were seen sleeping at the Rizal Park’s Quirino Grandstand in Manila.
“The number of policemen deployed for APEC could not be accommodated in one billeting considering the proximity. It would be impractical to pull them out of their posts, bring them to their billeting and then bring them back to their posts again,” said PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Wilben Mayor.
Mayor said the PNP is providing a uniform menu for all policemen to avoid controversies related to food and cash allowances for the policemen involved in providing security for APEC. Each would receive a meal package worth P300 daily.
“Uniform menu for all,” said Mayor. “There will be catering to ensure freshness of the food for our policemen.”
Mayor, however, refused to divulge the total number of policemen deployed for APEC, saying the issue is an operational matter, which could not be divulged at this time.
Director Jonathan Ferdinand Miano, PNP Directorate for Operations, said 32,000 personnel – police, military and civilians – are involved in the auditing, road security and inspection of hotels where delegates and other staff will be billeted.
PNP chief Director General Ricardo Marquez, who is hands-on in all preparations and monitoring, called on the public to support the government in hosting the APEC.
“We are putting our best foot forward in this historic event. We have started preparations since last year. We have rehearsed and fine-tuned all our systems and procedures for this event,” said Marquez.
Mayor said the PNP leadership is commending the best practices of Ilocos Region police director Chief Superintendent Ericson Velasquez, who prepared hygiene kits, cell cards, nutrition, sustenance and special accommodation for 38 policewomen involved in APEC security.