A total of 3,670 personnel from various government agencies have been mobilized for the 2026 ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) in Cebu on Oct. 28 to 31, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Sunday.
The PNP news release said the Police Regional Office-Central Visayas (PRO-7) and other concerned units have been tasked to sustain heightened readiness and strengthen intelligence monitoring throughout the multinational gathering.
“The absence of identified threats does not lessen our responsibility to remain vigilant. The PNP is fully prepared to secure ADMM 2026 through proactive security measures, close coordination with partner agencies, and the strategic deployment of our personnel,” PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement.
Police deployment will continue until Nov. 1 to ensure the safety of delegates until their departure, Nartatez added.
Personnel will cover the conference venue, billeting areas, convoy routes and key locations in Cebu City that delegates are expected to visit.
Nartatez also ordered concerned units to immediately validate and act on credible threat information while coordinating with partner agencies.
PRO-7 has raised its alert status from normal to heightened despite the absence of monitored threats. Other measures include advanced inspections, traffic management, strategic personnel deployment and contingency planning for delegate movements.
The ADMM serves as ASEAN’s highest defense consultative and cooperative mechanism, bringing together defense leaders from member-states to discuss regional security concerns, defense cooperation, and emerging challenges affecting the region.
“We assure all ASEAN delegates and the Filipino people that the PNP will uphold the highest standards of security and professionalism throughout ADMM 2026. Our commitment is to provide a safe, peaceful and orderly environment that reflects the hospitality and readiness of the Philippines as host,” Nartatez said.
