Philippines heightens security for Asean summit

Manila April 23 (IANS) The Philippines authorities on Sunday heightened security measures for the upcoming summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) in Manila with some 41 000 personnel set to be deployed.

Members of the police army and maritime units secured the area around the Philippine International Convention Centre where the 30th edition of the summit will be held from April 26 to 29 Efe news reported.

The deployment of security personnel comes after Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte denounced the foiled plot of the Abu Sayyaf terror group to allegedly target Asean trade meetings in the city of Bohol which precede the main summit.

Duterte announced an award of one million pesos (more than $20 000) for anyone who could provide information on alleged plotters that would lead to their arrest.

--IANS
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