Walk Through Time: APEC leaders' spouses touring Intramuros

Manila Mayor Joseph “Erap” Ejercito Estrada has placed Manila Police District (MPD) officials and city emergency response personnel in a state of readiness to ensure safety and orderliness for all delegates to the Asia Pacific Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders meeting in Metro Manila on November 18 to 19.

“The international media are already describing this APEC event as the ‘Thrilla in Manila’ since we are bringing together world leaders, some of whom sometimes have opposing views on issues. We can say that this is one of the most historic events to be held in the country and in our city. We should make sure that everyone will be safe,” Mayor Estrada said.

News reports indicate that alongside the formal meetings of the Apec delegates, their spouses will be treated by the four sisters of President Benigno Aquino to what has been called as a ‘Walk Through Time’ tour at the Intramuros park in the city of Manila.

President Aquino’s sisters Ballsy Aquino-Cruz, Pinky Aquino-Abelleda, Viel Aquino-Dee and Kris Aquino will be the hosts for the said spouses’ tour which will present glimpses of life in the Philippines during the Spanish era.

MPD director, Chief Superintendent Rolando Nana said Mayor Joseph Estrada’s prime instruction to the city’s police is to ensure safety and security for all the delegates, their spouses and their groups, and second is ensuring peace and order during the whole event including related activities.

He said the security and safety initiative is a national operation, and the MPD is a contingent to this operation through the Task Group Manila headed by National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director, Chief Superintendent Joel Pagdilao.