All 18,000 Metro Manila police members, 800 highway patrollers and 300 BMWs will be deployed and used during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) happening on November 18-19 at Manila, Philippines.
As of present time, the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has released an advisory informing the public of the "stop and go" scheme which becomes effective Sunday. "Whenever economic leaders pass by these areas all traffic will be stopped. Traffic will resume once the leaders have gone through," the advisory said.
Motorists on EDSA, Roxas Boulevard, Skyway and South Luzon Express Way as well as roads around the Ninoy Aquino International Airport will go through the scheme from November 15 to 20 to give way to leaders passing through the areas. Other preparations include road closures, alternate routes for the public and APEC lanes for the delegates.
The Philippine Inquirer also reported that the country is in its height in terms of security for the upcoming event that will be attended by 10,000 delegates from 21 economies.
PNP Director General Ricardo Marquez and Interior Secretary Mel Sarmiento said the security task force for the meetings has prepared for "all potential threats."
Chief Insp. Kimberly Molitas, spokesperson of the National Capital Region Police Office, also announced earlier that hotels have been screened and around 100 policemen will be on full alert on each of the hotels where heads of state or governments will be staying.
On the other hand, spokesperson Supt. Grace Tamayo, said, 800 men from the Highway Patrol Group will be manning the routes to be taken by the dignitaries and accompanying official convoys.
The 300 units of BMW 7 series, sponsored by automobile company BMW, will be used for transportation of APEC ministers and senior officials. Only Obama and Putin were reported to be bringing their own cars.
Meanwhile, APEC Senior Officials' Meeting Chairperson Laura del Rosario Chairperson Laura del Rosario, said in a Q&A during a press briefing held in International Media Center, World Trade Center that there no leader has cancelled his or her presence despite the recent terrorist attacks that took place in several countries. "You know sometimes I don't want people to read too much into why a leader cannot attend. Because for instance in the case of Russia, Russia is sending its Prime Minister (Dmitry) Medvedev who was the president of Russia in 2008 to 2012. So, in effect, that level is also something that I think deserves recognition, that Russia is really-it finds APEC very important."
