Manila heightens security for APEC

Philippine security forces were on high alert in the capital this week as leaders from Asia and the Pacific region began to arrive for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit just days after the deadly terrorist attacks in France.
More than 2,000 people were forced to walk to work as authorities closed roads, blocked ships from sailing in Manila Bay and declared a no-fly zone near the venues of the summit.
"The security forces and the government are confident that our visitors will be safe and secure in our country," national police spokesman Wilben Mayor said. "We should not be intimated by messages of threats."
A video threatening attacks in Manila, allegedly recorded by Muslim militants supporting Islamic State, went viral ahead of the meetings.
Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attacks in Paris.
"You should be afraid while walking in the streets. You should be afraid going to your places of work," a man wearing a black hood in the video said.
Mayor said intelligence forces were still verifying the video message and insisted that there was no specific threat against the APEC meetings in Manila.
"We have already tested, evaluated and examined all and any contingencies," he added. "We are on alert to respond if there's a situation."
Students and workers were seen walking along the main Roxas Boulevard, which was closed to buses and other public transport.
"It took more one hour and a half to walk to my office," said Chisea Ginuguin, a 21-year-old administrative assistant.
Schools and government offices will suspend activities Tuesday through Friday, while private offices will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday after the government declared a public holiday.
Foreign and trade ministers from the 21 APEC countries began their meetings Monday, with leaders from Taiwan, Chile and Papua New Guinea expected to arrive for the summit on Wednesday and Thursday.
Officials said that the meetings would focus on economic issues, with business leaders noting that regional tensions were among the threats to investment and growth.
"Geopolitical tension such as the one persisting in the South China Sea will (have an) impact on investment and decision-making," said Alexander Cabrera, Philippines chairman of consulting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers.
US President Barack Obama, scheduled to arrive Tuesday, was expected to raise the South China Sea issue in meetings with leaders on the sidelines of the summit.
Diplomats said the attacks in Paris were also expected to be discussed by the leaders.
In solidarity with France, the World Trade Center in Manila was illuminated in the French national colours of red, white and blue Monday evening.
A signboard placed at the entrance read, "We Stand Shoulder to Shoulder With You."
The Philippines has condemned the coordinated attacks in Paris, calling it a "cowardly assault on innocent and defenseless people."
The APEC members are Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, the United States and Vietnam.