Official Statement of the ASEAN 2017 National Organizing Council of the Philippines
03 June 2017
The Philippines’ ASEAN National Organizing Council (NOC) remains firmly committed to providing a venue where delegates can conveniently and comfortably discuss work plans, recommendations, projects and other relevant matters that are beneficial to the ASEAN community.
Despite the ongoing siege in Marawi City, and the recent active shooting incident that transpired in Resorts World Manila, the Committee for Security, Peace and Order, and Emergency Preparedness and Response, through the ASEAN Security Task Force (ASTF) assures the safety of all meeting sites and facilities, and the security of delegates during their in the country.
As part of our overall effort to make our hosting a memorable year for the ASEAN community, and the Philippines an enjoyable place to stay for the ASEAN delegates, we continually strengthen the strict implementation of the security measures that are already in place.
Albeit the absence of a direct threat to the ongoing and upcoming ASEAN-related meetings, the ASTF is actively collaborating with law enforcement agencies such as the Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of National Defense, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Coast Guard, and local government units in increasing the number of security personnel posted or deployed in heavily populated areas, conducting safety audit or inspections, practicing evacuation and emergency response simulations, augmenting the resources needed, and holding training exercises.
In the regard, the Philippines awaits the arrival of all foreign delegates from the ASEAN member states and dialogue partners in the forthcoming activities of ASEAN.
