By Christopher Lloyd T. Caliwan
MANILA – The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said it will intensify police visibility to conduct patrols, provide route security, and manage traffic for the upcoming 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits.
NCRPO Officer-in-Charge Brig. Gen. Christopher N. Abrahano has directed all concerned police units to continuously review their security deployment and contingency plans for the upcoming ASEAN Summit, ensuring that operational adjustments are promptly made to address emerging security requirements and guarantee the safety of foreign delegates and the public.
Abrahano emphasized that security preparations must remain dynamic and responsive, with police commanders regularly assessing their respective areas of responsibility, identifying potential vulnerabilities, and ensuring that personnel and resources are strategically positioned to respond to any eventuality.
He stressed that the NCRPO must maintain operational readiness throughout the summit, taking into account possible changes in security requirements, crowd movement, traffic conditions, and other developments that may affect the smooth conduct of the high-level international gathering.
“Our security preparations must not remain static. We must constantly assess the situation on the ground, anticipate possible challenges, and make the necessary adjustments to ensure that our security measures remain effective. We cannot afford to be complacent when the safety of our delegates, visitors, and the public is at stake,” Abrahano said in a statement on Wednesday.
He further instructed police commanders to sustain close coordination with partner government agencies, local government units, and other security stakeholders to ensure seamless implementation of security protocols, effective emergency response, and immediate action should any security concern arise.
The NCRPO chief said that contingency measures are in place to address possible disruptions and other unforeseen incidents, while maintaining sufficient police presence in key installations, summit venues, billeting areas, designated routes, and other critical locations across Metro Manila.
Abrahano underscored that the security of the ASEAN Summit goes beyond protecting visiting dignitaries, as it also entails ensuring that ordinary police services remain uninterrupted and that Metro Manila residents continue to feel safe despite the heightened security requirements.
“We are preparing not only to secure the summit venues and the delegates, but also to ensure that peace and order are maintained across Metro Manila. Our personnel must be ready to respond to any situation while continuing to fulfill their responsibility to protect the communities we serve,” he added.
PAF ready to help
Meanwhile, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) is more than ready to help secure the upcoming ASEAN events, PAF spokesperson Col. Alvin Jay Capinguian said in a message to the Philippine News Agency on Wednesday.
He added that the service is prepared to provide the needed personnel and air assets if called upon as part of efforts to secure the event.
“Whatever they need, the major services will provide,” Capinguian said.
The 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits will be held in Metro Manila from Nov. 16 to 18, with major summit activities scheduled at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City. (With a report from Priam F. Nepomuceno/PNA)
