MANILA, Philippines (AP) – Providing security for the leaders of Asia-Pacific nations including the United States and China is a huge undertaking for any country. For the Philippines, which is hosting this year’s APEC summit, the challenges are even bigger and are under renewed scrutiny following the Paris attacks.
The developing Southeast Asian nation has assembled more than 30,000 military, police and civilian personnel in its largest security operation in years for the meeting in its capital, Manila. Leaders of the 21 countries and territories that make up the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum began arriving Monday.
The extensive preparations reflect a variety of perceived threats but also are meant to address concerns the Philippines might not be up to the task. Its military is one of the most poorly funded in Asia and its south is a cradle of insecurity known for banditry and Islamic militants. Marxist insurgents are still active in parts of the country.
National police chief Ricardo Marquez said security forces have prepared for all possible threats, including terrorism, typhoons, fires, earthquakes and food poisoning. In metropolitan Manila, licenses for civilians to carry guns are suspended for the summit week. Rallies will not be allowed without a permit or near APEC venues.
“Everything is considered: security, public order, emergency preparedness,” he said.