APEC summit preparations on track: Philippine gov't

The Philippine government said Friday that preparations for hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit next month is on track.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said that training of the security personnel, including policemen, has been ongoing.

She also asked for public's cooperation as traffic rerouting and no-fly zones will be implemented when the APEC Leaders' Meeting is held on November 18-19 in Metro Manila.

"The preparations are going well," she said.

She said the APEC 2015 National Organizing Committee has a Joint Security Task Committee that handles the security, as well as peace and order, during the APEC.

The committee is composed of the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Department of National Defense, and the Department of Interior and Local Government.

Valte noted that the arrival of APEC member country leaders in Manila next month is expected to make it difficult for people to move around because of detours.

"We suggest that you take advantage of this opportunity to spend time with your family and to perhaps, go outside of Metro Manila because our preparation will be intense," she said.

The government has declared no classes and no work in government offices in Metro Manila from November 17 to 20. Endi