(Photo courtesy of PNA)
MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) will deploy nearly 20,000 police personnel to secure the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits scheduled for November 16 to 18, as authorities intensify security preparations for the arrival of foreign leaders and delegates.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said Monday, November 9, that 19,869 police officers would be stationed at summit venues, hotels, accommodation facilities and motorcade routes to ensure the safety of participating heads of state and other international guests.
Speaking at a press briefing in Camp Crame, Nartatez said the PNP would coordinate closely with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Presidential Security Command, other government agencies and local government units.
“The PNP is ready to provide security for the heads of state, foreign delegates, and other expected guests,” Nartatez said.
He added that security operations would cover all major summit activities and locations where foreign dignitaries are expected to stay or travel.
As part of the preparations, Nartatez ordered intensified intelligence monitoring in Metro Manila and surrounding areas to detect and address potential security threats ahead of the international gathering.
He assured ASEAN member states that the police force was prepared to maintain peace and order throughout the three-day event.
“We assure our ASEAN partners that the PNP is fully committed and prepared to secure this important regional gathering. We will leave nothing to chance, and our personnel will remain vigilant, disciplined, and ready to respond to any eventuality to ensure a peaceful and incident-free summit,” Nartatez said.
The PNP will also be placed on full alert during the summit to ensure the immediate deployment of personnel in case of security incidents or emergencies.
Meanwhile, Malacañang has declared November 16 to 18 as special non-working days in Metro Manila to facilitate security arrangements and minimize disruptions to the public.
Nartatez advised residents and motorists to monitor official announcements regarding traffic restrictions, road closures and security measures.
“For our kababayans in Metro Manila, please be guided by the declaration of Nov. 16 to 18 as special non-working days in the National Capital Region. We encourage everyone to monitor official traffic and security advisories and plan their travel accordingly,” he said.
No verified threats monitored
National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) acting director Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano said authorities had not detected any verified security threat related to the summit.
However, he emphasized that intelligence monitoring and security assessments would continue to prevent possible disruptions.
“We will not wait for a threat to materialize before we act. Our intelligence units are continuously monitoring developments, validating information, and working with our security partners to identify and address potential risks at the earliest possible stage,” Abrahano said.
He directed NCRPO intelligence and operational units to immediately investigate credible security reports, verify information and take appropriate action based on established security protocols.
Abrahano said police units were coordinating with other security agencies to strengthen surveillance, threat assessment and emergency response preparations.
The NCRPO assured the public that security preparations remained underway despite the absence of any confirmed threat against the international event.
Major activities of the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits will take place at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.
The gathering is expected to bring together Southeast Asian leaders and representatives of ASEAN’s dialogue partners for discussions on regional cooperation, security and economic development.
