With the 100 percent deployment of troops today as the 31st ASEAN Summit officially starts, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Officer-in-Charge Catalino S. Cuy writes a personal letter to the government’s security and public safety forces, expressing his confidence on their readiness and skills to ensure the safety and security of the delegates.
In his letter, Cuy, who is also the chairperson of the ASEAN Committee on Security, Peace and Order, and Emergency Preparedness and Response (CSPOEPR) says, “Inaasahan kong handa ninyong harapin ang anumang banta sa seguridad na maaaring isagawa ng mga grupong nais maghasik ng kaguluhan at ilagay sa kahihiyan ang ating bansa”.
Aside from warding off human-induced security threats, he also says he trusts in the capacity of the CSPOEPR members in responding to natural calamities and other emergencies.
He also lauds them for their hardwork and dedication during the rehearsals as these prepared them well for the huge task at hand.
“Maraming salamat sa inyong ipinamalas na dedikasyon sa paulit-ulit na pag-eensayo, rehearsals at dry runs. Saludo ako sa inyo!,” he says.
“Hindi biro ang panahong ibinigay ninyo upang maging eksperto sa larangan ng security, peace and order, at emergency preparedness and response,” he tells the individual members of the committee, composed of 21 member agencies.
Cuy says he believes that the troops are by now more attuned to their respective roles in safeguarding the high-profile meetings to be attended by world leaders and heads of states.
He says, “Napakahalaga ng magiging papel ninyo dito. Nakaatang sa inyong balikat ang kaligtasan ng ating mga Asean leaders at delegates at ng mga mamamayan.”
In the sentimental part of his letter to the troopers, Cuy states, “Ang bawat isa sa atin na bumubuo ng CSPOEPR ay may kani-kaniyang mahalagang tungkulin. No one is less important than the other. We all complement each other’s roles and responsibilities.”
He thanks the close to 60,000-strong CSPOEPR for their dedication in the numerous exercises, rehearsals and dry runs ever since the Philippines chaired the ASEAN this year on its 50th founding anniversary.
“Sa mga nakaraang Asean activities, napatunayan na ninyo ang inyong kakayahan na pangalagaan ang kaligtasan at seguridad ng mga delegado at ng bansa. Kaya siguradong mas bihasa na kayo sa pagkakataong ito,” he declares.
He also reminds the troopers to “always abide by the rule of law and operational protocols” as they do their sworn duty in maintaining peace and order and responding to any eventuality.
“We are now at the peak of hosting the ASEAN activity. Let us leave good memories and experience to the heads of states and delegates of the 31st Asean Summit and related meetings. Let us start the ball rolling. Pagtulungan natin ito. Para sa tunay na pagbabago, para sa bayan, para sa Asean! Let’s partner for change, let’s engage the world!” he says in his closing message.
ASEAN Security Task Force (ASTF) Commander, Police Director Napoleon C. Taas echoes the same confidence and enthusiasm of the CSPOEPR head.
“As we hog the world’s center stage, we shall not pass up the opportunity to show not only our hospitality but also what the Filipino is truly made of. We have planned, rehearsed, and left no stones unturned. Thus we are oozing with confidence, we are ready, we will be successful and we shall prevail,” says Taas.
“To the gallant men and women of ASTF, join me in our march to another Filipino victory. Let us together make this Summit the most peaceful, most secure, and most memorable ASEAN Summit ever,” he says. —DILG PACS
