Security has been beefed up ahead of the APEC Summit opening on November 18.

Many world leaders arrived in Manila, the capital of the Philippines, on November 17 to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit, which took place on November 18-19.

Security has been beefed up ahead of the summit. Philippine authorities said preparations for the summit have now been completed.

Speaking to the press on November 17, the spokesman of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Mr. Restituto Padilla, said: To ensure the safety of the Summit, the Philippines has mobilized thousands of soldiers to support the police force in deploying security activities around the conference area. According to Mr. Padilla, everything is being carried out in the most accurate, feasible and professional manner.

Security has been increased to the maximum ahead of the APEC 23 conference. Photo: AP

Security forces have been asked to be ready to deal with any possible situation, including the risk of a similar attack on the French capital Paris on November 13 that killed at least 129 people.

According to a Philippine security source, the number of soldiers mobilized by the Philippines for this conference has increased by 3 to 4 times compared to the preparations to welcome Pope Francis in January this year.

In addition to mobilizing functional forces, the Philippines has also raised security alert to the highest level. Many areas in the capital Manila have been strictly controlled since the beginning of this week. Many main roads leading to the event area have been closed. Barricades have been set up in many places, along with the presence of security forces.

The Philippine government has also declared holidays for schools and offices and advised residents of the capital to either take vacations in other cities or stay home and monitor the news during the summit.

An estimated more than 1,700 domestic and international flights have been canceled to facilitate world leaders' visits to the Philippines during this occasion.

On November 17, the Philippines also opened community support hotlines to receive information related to security risks and feedback on the conference.

With the theme, “Building Inclusive Economies, Building a Better World,” the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit takes place in the context of a series of bloody attacks in France. In addition to promoting cooperation, APEC leaders will discuss the terrorist attacks in France as well as efforts to deal with the Islamic State organization - the jihadist organization that has claimed responsibility for these attacks.

Strengthening maritime security cooperation was also a topic of discussion at the conference. This was also emphasized by US President Barack Obama when he visited the Philippines on November 17.

“The United States has been committed to regional security for more than 70 years. We have made treaty commitments, strong commitments to the security of the Philippines. My visit to the Philippines on this occasion also underscores our commitment to maritime security and freedom of navigation in the region,” said Mr. Obama.

Previously, after two days of intensive work, the 27th Joint Foreign and Economic Ministers' Meeting ended successfully on November 17, completing preparations for the 23rd APEC Summit which will officially open on the morning of November 18.

According to the plan, the President of the host country, the Philippines, Benigno Aquino III, will give traditional Philippine Barong Tagalog shirts to APEC leaders to wear during the conference./.

According to VOV