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Philippines heightens security for APEC meeting following Paris attacks

Xinhua, November 14, 2015 Adjust font size:

The Philippines on Saturday condemned the deadly attacks in Paris, vowing to heighten its security as it hosts the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting next week.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said the Department of Foreign Affairs has been monitoring the situation in France, particularly to determine the situation of the Filipinos there.

"The attacks on a concert venue, the vicinity of a stadium, and on restaurant showed not only premeditation but the cruelty that demands the greatest indignation from the world," she said in an interview with a state-run radio station. "The Philippines mourns the dead and stands shoulder-to-shoulder with France."

With the incident in Paris where at least 120 people were reportedly killed, Valte said President Benigno S. Aquino III has ordered the state security agencies to finetune the preparations for the APEC meeting to be held in Manila on Nov. 18-19.

She said the entire units of the Philippine National Police have been place on full alert nationwide.

"Let me emphasize that this is standard after the occurrence of a suspected terrorist attack in other countries or in the event of a national calamity," she said, adding that the full alert was also in line with the hosting of APEC summit. Endit