(Photo courtesy of PNA)
MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) has finalized its security preparations for the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, assuring the public that measures are in place to protect foreign delegates and maintain peace and order during the international gathering.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla and PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. led the ceremonial send-off of security personnel and resources at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila on Wednesday, November 11.
Remulla urged police personnel to remain vigilant, disciplined and prepared for possible security threats while ensuring the safety of delegates and the public.
“In the next 72 hours do your utmost, follow your orders, obey your commands, be at your posts and be ready for any eventuality. The success of this ASEAN is already been assured because it has been prepared for from top to bottom,” Remulla said.
Nartatez said the PNP had completed its final review of security plans, deployment arrangements and coordination procedures with other government agencies.
“Security preparations for an event of this scale require foresight, seamless coordination, and the ability to respond decisively to emerging threats. We are leaving nothing to chance,” he said.
The PNP Highway Patrol Group will assist the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) in managing traffic, enforcing road regulations and helping motorists affected by temporary rerouting and congestion near summit venues.
Authorities advised motorists to monitor traffic updates, plan their travel routes and cooperate with law enforcement personnel during the summit.
Security preparations also cover planned protest activities, with Nartatez assuring that police would exercise maximum tolerance toward demonstrators.
However, he encouraged organizers to consider the ASEAN National Organizing Council’s appeal to hold their activities after the summit to minimize disruptions during the international gathering.
The PNP chief also emphasized that authorities were prepared to respond to actions that could threaten public safety or disrupt summit proceedings.
On Tuesday, Nartatez inspected the Multi-Agency Coordinating Center at the Philippine Trade Training Center in Pasay City to assess operational readiness, interagency coordination and emergency response capabilities.
The summit, scheduled for the third week of November, is expected to bring together 23 leaders and thousands of delegates, staff members and observers.
Meanwhile, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said it had intensified police visibility, intelligence monitoring and coordination with other security agencies across Metro Manila.
The NCRPO assured residents that regular police services and public safety operations would continue before, during and after the summit.
NCRPO acting chief and Task Group Metro Manila Commander Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano said police personnel would remain on heightened alert throughout the event.
“Our position is clear: We remain vigilant, prepared, and proactive. We will not be complacent, and we will not compromise public safety,” Abrahano said.
The PNP reiterated its commitment to ensuring a secure and orderly summit while minimizing disruptions to the public.
