APEC security cops sleep on hammocks, cardboard

Some policemen on special APEC security duty sleep on hammocks and cardboard sheets in spartan accommodations in Cebu City.

They are part of the 3,000-member force from different police units in the region, including Negros Oriental and Bohol,  deployed as  security personnel for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation  (APEC) 2015 meetings from Aug. 22 to Sept. 11.

Some of them are  housed in the barangay gym in Apas and in a public school in barangay Mabolo.

They occupy 18 rooms on two floors of a  three-story unfurnished building.

Some policemen were taking a nap while others were eating their packed meals of rice, one boiled egg and two pieces of fried lumpia or spring rolls, when reporters  visited.

A police officer on APEC security detail eats her packed lunch of rice, a boiled egg and two pieces of fried lumpia(spring rolls) in temporary quarters in Mabolo National High School. (CDN PHOTO/JUNJIE MENDOZA)

One policeman said the barracks-style quarters was nothing new for them, and that they would carry out their duties the best they can.

Some were confused about reports that their daily allowance was s P500 a day but they only received P150.

Chief Supt. Prudencio Bañas, regional director of the Police Regional Office Central Visayas (PRO-7), earlier  told reporters that for the first four days of deployment, they gave P150 each to the policemen with funds coming from PRO-7’s budget.

He said the P150 is not from the APEC budget since funds just arrived last Monday.

“There is no cash involved. We are governed by COA (Commission on Audit) rules and regulations. Whatever additional support given by APEC is a special thrust fund. We have to liquidate it. The P500 per policeman  program is per capita expense for the whole duration of APEC,” he said.

The P500 includes expenses for supplies, rental, additional support for gasoline and transportation. Only P300 is allotted for the policemen’s three meals.

He said if they release P500 to each policeman, it would be disallowed by COA.

Policemen’s duties include securing the ceremonial route and convoys of delegates.

Bañas assured that allowances for security personnel were being properly accounted for.

A total of 446 augmentation personnel from PRO-7 detailed in Lapu-Lapu City already received their meal allowance.

They are housed in covered courts near billeting areas of APEC delegates and APEC routes, but some opted to rent a boarding house at their own expense.

Correspondent Apple Taas tries the hammock under a makeshift stage where policemen sleep. (CDN PHOTO/ JUNJIE MENDOZA)

Lapu-Lapu Mayor Paz Radaza told Senior Supt. Armando Radoc, head of the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office, that  she was willing to give additional support for the policemen on field.