Philippine military, police fully prepared for APEC security

The Philippines has despatched thousands of soldiers to augment its police force in securing the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting to be held in Manila on Wednesday and Thursday.

"We are performing our jobs as correctly as possible, and as professionally as we can," said Restituto Padilla, spokesperson of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Carlito Galvez, AFP deputy chief of staff for operations, said the soldiers were ordered to be "prepared for everything," including a possible attack similar to last Friday's incident in Paris which left at least 129 people dead.

According to Galvez, the military preparation has tripled or quadrupled compared to its preparation for Pope Francis' visit in January this year.

Galvez said the military has made adjustments in its preparation in the wake of Paris attacks, but refused to give further details.

The officials declined to give the exact number of soldiers and assets that will be actually deployed and those who are on standby for security reasons.

A security official, who declined to be named, said they have expanded the reach of their security forces, and special forces and elite units are also joining the summit security.

The Philippines raised security alert to the highest level immediately after the Paris terrorist attacks. Endit