Hold protests after Asean Summit, security official tells groups

MANILA, Philippines — A security official overseeing preparations for the country’s hosting of the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit has appealed to groups planning protests to hold their protests after the regional gathering as a way for Filipinos to show respect to visiting foreign leaders.

Retired Major Gen. Potenciano Camba, deputy director general for operations of the Asean National Organizing Council, said the government recognized the public’s right to peaceful assembly but hoped protesters would defer their demonstrations until after the summit.

“We are a democracy, so we should listen to the voices of our fellow Filipinos. The Philippine National Police is prepared for this and is capable of managing such activities,” Camba told state-run PTV-4 on Monday.

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“However, it would be better if our fellow Filipinos could hold their protests after our hosting duties because it would not look good to have protests while we have visitors,” he said.

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“It is like having guests in your home: you prepare for them and show them respect. I hope our fellow Filipinos will understand that we have visitors,” he added.

The Philippines is preparing to host the 49th Asean Summit from Nov. 15 to 17, which will bring together leaders and delegations from the 11 member states, as well as dialogue partners China, South Korea, Japan, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, India and Canada.

READ: PNP to deploy over 19,000 personnel for Asean Summit security

Camba said more than 20 government agencies, along with local government units in Metro Manila, had been mobilized to secure the visiting leaders, delegates and media personnel.

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The security preparations cover airports, roads, hotels, meeting venues and the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City, the main venue of the summit.

He said the security committee also included the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Philippine National Police, Department of National Defense, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Department of Transportation and Philippine Coast Guard.

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Cybersecurity

Authorities are also working with the Department of Information and Communications Technology to monitor cyberspace and prevent the spread of disinformation and fake news during the summit.

Camba appealed to the public to refrain from spreading false information, saying the country’s reputation was at stake.

READ: MMDA announces Nov. 15-18 road closures, rerouting for Asean Summit

He said the security arrangements also covered ordinary Filipinos, although he acknowledged that the arrival of foreign leaders and road restrictions would cause inconvenience to commuters and motorists.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and local governments have issued traffic rerouting plans to manage vehicle movement during the summit.

President Marcos declared Nov. 16 to 18 as special non-working days in the National Capital Region to alleviate traffic congestion and allow the government to ensure the safety and security of participants in the high-level event.

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Meanwhile, the government has arranged free rides on selected public transportation routes to ease the impact of road closures. /cb