AFP to provide security for ASEAN leaders during summit

MANILA — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will provide security for visiting heads of delegation and deploy personnel in key areas during the upcoming ASEAN Summit in Manila, AFP spokesperson Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla said.

According to Padilla, the AFP, through the Presidential Security Command, will be responsible for the security of the visiting leaders throughout their stay in the country.

“We are in the frontlines in terms of the security aspect. Andiyan ang Philippine National Police (PNP) for peace and order. We augment them as the need arises,” Padilla told defense reporters.

“But in terms of the security of the highest leader of the land, it is the mandate of the AFP through the Presidential Security Command,” she added.

Military personnel will also be deployed in hotels, roads and various summit venues.

Padilla said security operations have been underway well ahead of the leaders’ arrival and will continue until their departure.

“These are the highest leaders of the land, and because they are in our country, we are responsible for their utmost security. So, we will not leave any stone unturned,” the official said. “We will make sure that they are secured properly during their stay.”