PNP gets into high gear for RP hosting of global migration forum, ‘Undas’
abs-cbnNEWS.com | 10/26/2008 6:17 PM
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With a controversy involving some of its top officials, the Philippine National Police (PNP) will have its hands especially full this coming week as it handles the challenges of security and the maintenance of peace and order for a big international event to be held in Manila as well as a nationwide traditional Filipino holiday.
With these at hand, PNP Chief Director General Jesus Verzosa urged his 128,000 officers and personnel to “remain focused on the job” and not to “allow brewing side issues to affect the performance of their mission.”
"The issues that are somehow diverting our attention from our normal law enforcement and peace-keeping functions must be left for the concerned PNP officers to address. All units and personnel should maintain their focus on the tasks at hand and properly orient themselves to the accomplishment of the mission," he said.
The PNP said that heightened alert condition will be in effect in all other regions to ensure the availability of personnel and resources for security and law enforcement operations for these twin national events.
The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) will be on full alert, as well as all Police Regional Offices in Mindanao.
PNP ready for GFMD II
Effective Sunday, the PNP National Task Force "Global Forum" (NTFGF) has mobilized 5,600 personnel from the police, military, law enforcement, public safety, and emergency services for the 2nd Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) to be hosted by the Philippines.
To be held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), United Nations (UN) Secretary General Ban Ki Moon will formally open the GFMD conference, which will then be closed by President Arroyo on Thursday.
Task Force Commander Deputy Director General Ismael Rafanan expressed optimism that the NTFGF has enough manpower resources to ensure the success of the 4-day international event attended by some 1,000 foreign delegates from 151 countries and 20 international organizations, saying that the NTFGF has been holding daily dry runs and last minute adjustments to security preparations.
Rafanan added that the full operational phase of the security operations will remain activated until the last foreign delegate leaves town.
"Their safety and security will remain to be our responsibility," he said.
Chief Superintendent Nicanor Bartolome Jr., PNP spokesman, meanwhile said that the GFMD is "another opportunity for the Philippines to shine and open its doors to the international community of nations."
The NTFGF is to be supported at the GFMD by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Presidential Security Group (PSG), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Department of Health (DOH), Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), National Security Council (NSC), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Bureau of Immigration (BI), and the Airport Police Department.
Undas preparation
As the 2nd Global Forum on Migration goes full swing in Metro Manila, PNP units in their respective jurisdictions have been alerted to implement their security and public safety plans for All Saints’ Day.
Bartolome noted that police visibility, considering both its crime deterrent and the public opinion effects, is vital in their security operations.
"Police units will be present in bus terminals, seaports, airports, and along travel routes to maintain order and security, and prevent criminal and terrorists elements from taking advantage of the situation," he said.
The PNP spokesman added that all of their units are prepared to respond to situations which usually transpire during All Saints’ Day holiday or "Undas," which are: petty crime, lost children and belongings, stampedes, medical emergencies, illegal vendors, swindlers and impersonators, vehicular accidents, gambling, alcohol and drug-related incidents, and gang wars.
As early as October 30 and 31, millions of Filipinos are expected to return to their hometown to pay respects to their departed relatives. Having said this, Bartolome reminded travelers to coordinate their unoccupied residences with neighborhood authorities and arrange for regular patrolling.
