Manila                                                                                                                                                                                        05 Nov. 2017

(PNA)

A 60,000-strong multi-agency forces and resources mobilized on Sunday at the Quirino Grandstand for the 31st Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit 2017 and Related Meetings in Manila on November 13 to 17.

Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Officer-in-Charge and Chairperson of ASEAN 2017 Committee on Security, Peace and Order, Emergency Preparedness and Response (CSPOEPR) Catalino S Cuy led the send off ceremony together with Ambassador Marciano Paynor Jr., Director General for Operations, ASEAN NOC; Hon. Salvador Medialdea, Chairperson, ASEAN NOC; PDir Napoleon Taas, Commander ASEAN Security Task Force; AFP Chief of Staff  Lt. Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero; and PNP Chief PDG Ronald Dela Rosa.

Cuy said a total of 60,000  forces and resources from 21 government agencies have been deployed.

Aside from the large deployment of troops, he reveals that huge resources will be at the ready to monitor, respond and provide support during the summit.

These resources include the following: 203 patrol cars, 394 motorcycles, 22 armored cars, 30 helicopters, 59 fire trucks, 94 ambulances, 125 explosive detection dogs (EDDs)/K9, and 82 sniper teams.

He also added that several Joint Task Groups (JTGs), Task Groups (TGs), and Sub-Task Units (STUs)  have also been organized and are on deck with their personnel and logistics to ensure that the summit will run as smoothly and peacefully as possible.

Meanwhile, Philippine National Police Chief, Director General Ronald M Dela Rosa said that the 19,000-strong police force is all set and ready for ASEAN 2017.

This year's ASEAN Summit will be attended by heads of state of the 10 ASEAN-member nations, dialogue partners, observer states, and other invited delegates from the Asia-Pacific region