PNP Chief Plt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. – Photo courtesy of the Office of the Chief PNP/Facebook.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has raised its alert status to full operational readiness as the 48th ASEAN Summit formally opens in Cebu on Wednesday, May 6.
PNP chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said authorities have not monitored any specific or credible threat targeting the regional gathering but stressed that security forces remain on high alert.
He said police units across Central Visayas have been placed on heightened readiness to secure delegates and ensure the orderly conduct of summit related events.
More than 7,300 personnel from various agencies have been deployed to the region, including members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and the Department of Health (DOH).
The PNP said the deployment formed part of a broader security and emergency response plan covering key venues and surrounding areas in Cebu.
Authorities also stepped up intelligence monitoring efforts, including the activation of cyber patrol units tasked to track online threats and the spread of disinformation during the summit.
Nartatez said security forces continue to coordinate with intelligence partners to monitor potential risks, including extremist activity, cyber attacks, and possible lone actor threats.
Leaders from 11 member states of the regional bloc are scheduled to attend the summit, which runs until May 8, with the Philippines serving as host and chair.