By Christopher Lloyd T. Caliwan
MANILA – The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) and Police Regional Offices (PROs) 3 (Central Luzon) and 4A (Calabarzon) will be on full alert status starting Friday (Nov. 13) until Nov. 19, as part of the security measures for the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Metro Manila.
In a press briefing held in Camp Crame on Thursday, Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson and information chief Brig. Gen. Allen Rae Co said the full alert status means 100 percent of police personnel must be present for duty and deployment.
Co said the full alert status will be lifted on Nov. 19 unless there would be a need to extend it.
He warned protesters that police would disperse and arrest those who violate security protocols during the 49th ASEAN Summit, which will gather more than 20 world leaders in the country from Nov. 15 to 18.
“We respect the right of every individual or every group to exercise their constitutional right to peaceful assembly, but these rights have limits. Your rights end when other people’s rights begin,” said Co, who issued the warning in response to Bagong Alyansang Makabayan’s plan to protest US President Donald Trump’s arrival and follow him during his visit.
He stressed that police would intervene if protesters violate the rights of others or disrupt public order.
“When you infringe on other people’s rights, when you trample on other people’s rights, it ceases or stops to be a peaceful exercise of that right. So, we will disperse them when that happens,” he added.
Security tightened in transport hubs
The NCRPO also said it is tightening security at airports, major transport terminals, and key access roads in preparation for the arrival and departure of foreign delegates.
NCRPO Acting Director Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano said security arrangements have been finalized in coordination with airport police, airport authorities, and concerned transport agencies to ensure the safe, orderly, and smooth movement of international delegates and the traveling public.
He directed police commanders to maintain visible police presence in major transport hubs and along designated convoy routes, while ensuring that security personnel remain alert to suspicious activities and ready to respond immediately to emergencies.
“Our responsibility does not stop at securing the delegates. We must also protect ordinary passengers, commuters, airport workers, and everyone who will be using these facilities during the summit,” Abrahano said.
He instructed personnel to provide immediate assistance to travelers, maintain orderly movement in areas where security measures may affect passenger flow, and closely coordinate with transport authorities to address possible congestion and other disruptions.
Abrahano also emphasized that security personnel must exercise professionalism and restraint in implementing security protocols, ensuring that heightened security does not become an unnecessary burden to the public.
“We want our international guests to feel safe and welcome, but we must not lose sight of the needs of our own people. Every security measure must serve its purpose without compromising public convenience and safety,” he added.
Abrahano reiterated the NCRPO’s call for passengers and commuters to allow extra travel time, follow instructions from authorities, remain vigilant, and immediately report unattended items or suspicious activities to the nearest police personnel.
Public safety during long weekend
On the other hand, PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. reminded travelers to take precautions before leaving their homes and remain alert throughout their journeys during the declared holidays in time for the ASEAN.
“We encourage everyone to make the most of the long weekend but never at the expense of safety and responsibility,” he said in a statement.
“Secure your homes before leaving, observe traffic and travel regulations, remain vigilant against criminal activities, and immediately report suspicious incidents to the nearest police unit. Our goal is for every Filipino to reach their destination safely and return home without incident,” the PNP Chief added.
The PNP, he said, has heightened security and public safety operations nationwide and is ready for an expected surge of travelers during the extended holiday period.
Nartatez directed all Police Regional Offices to strengthen police visibility and intensify patrol operations in major transport hubs, seaports, airports, bus terminals, highways, and tourist destinations expected to experience increased passenger traffic from Nov. 14 to 18.
“Even as we are occupied with security for the ASEAN Summit, our commitment to the safe travel of our fellow Filipinos remains steadfast,” Nartatez said.
More than 20,000 policemen were tapped to secure the ASEAN Summits, with the full deployment to start by weekend.
Policemen will be augmented by personnel from other agencies like the military, the Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Coast Guard and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority. (PNA)
