By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) has stepped up security measures on the ground and in cyberspace as the country prepares to host the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Metro Manila from Nov. 16 to 18.
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. directed the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) and other concerned units to strengthen security planning and contingency preparations around summit venues, hotels, airports, and major transport hubs.
The directive includes increased police visibility through foot and mobile patrols, as well as the readiness of quick reaction teams in key areas. Police units were also directed to strengthen cyber monitoring against misinformation, disinformation, and potential online threats that may affect the summit in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., through the guidance of Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla.
“The PNP is continuously strengthening its security preparations for the ASEAN Summit. We are coordinating closely with concerned government agencies, local government units, and our security partners to ensure the safety of our delegates, guests, and the public. We will remain professional and vigilant while respecting the right to peaceful assembly,” Nartatez said in a statement on Thursday.
He said the police preparations are precautionary and are aimed at ensuring readiness without causing unnecessary alarm.
Malacañang Palace earlier acknowledged the possibility of protest actions during the summit, particularly from groups opposing the US-led Pax Silica initiative.
It said the government respects the right of citizens to express their views but urged demonstrators to remain peaceful as the country welcomes foreign leaders and delegates.
“Our preparations are primarily precautionary and part of our responsibility as the host country’s police force. We continue to monitor the security environment and assess any emerging threats so that we can respond promptly and appropriately. We will not allow complacency, but we also urge the public not to be alarmed,” Nartatez said.
“The PNP is ready to ensure a safe, peaceful, and orderly ASEAN Summit. We ask everyone to cooperate with security measures and to exercise their rights responsibly.”
Comprehensive security, traffic preparations
Meanwhile, the NCRPO said it is intensifying its preparations to ensure the safety, security, and convenience of all delegates, officials, support personnel, and the public during the conduct of the summit.
As the primary police force responsible for maintaining peace and order in Metro Manila, NCRPO Officer-in-Charge Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano is coordinating closely with the PNP national headquarters, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, other law enforcement and security agencies, local government units, and concerned government offices in line with the order of the PNP Chief to ensure a unified and responsive security operation before, during, and after the event.
“Our objective is clear: to provide a safe, secure, and orderly environment for our ASEAN leaders, delegates, and guests, while ensuring that the daily activities of our people in Metro Manila continue with as little disruption as possible,” Abrahano said in a separate statement.
The NCRPO’s security preparations include intensified police visibility, area and route security, intelligence and information monitoring, coordination with security stakeholders, protection of critical and vital installations, rapid-response capabilities, and the deployment of appropriate police personnel in strategic locations.
Security planning will likewise cover venues, hotels, transportation routes, convergence points, and other areas that may be frequented by delegates and members of the public.
The regional police is also coordinating with traffic-management authorities and local government units to facilitate the movement of official convoys while keeping major roads and alternative routes passable for ordinary motorists, commuters, emergency responders, and other road users.
The President has declared Nov. 16 to 18 special non-working days in Metro Manila.
