POLICE deployed to secure the ASEAN Leaders’ Summit in Lapu-Lapu City. (PRO-7)
CEBU CITY – Six persons were arrested for violating the gun ban for the 48th ASEAN Leaders’ Summit in Lapu-Lapu City.
The Police Regional Office-Central Visayas (PRO-7) said that nine firearms were confiscated in a series of police operations.
The gun ban started on May 4 and ends May 11.
The ASEAN Leaders’ Summit will be held from May 7 to 8.
Police Brig. Gen. Arnold E. Abad, chief of PRO-7, said strict security measures will be in place during the duration of the summit.
“The PRO-7 has deployed full-scale security operations in close coordination with partner agencies to ensure strict enforcement of the gun ban,” said Abad.
Abad appealed for cooperation from the public.
He called on the people to remain vigilant, comply with all security regulations, and promptly report any suspicious activities to authorities.
As part of the strict security measures, lockdowns will be enforced in some areas in Lapu-Lapu City as authorities prepare for the arrival of 15 heads of state.
From 6:45 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. and 8 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on May 6, the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) to Shangri-La Hotel route will be closed.
“During these periods, temporary road closures and movement restrictions will be enforced along the identified routes to ensure the safe and secure passage of official delegations,” the PRO-7 said.
Police Col. Kimberly Molitas, PRO-7 spokesperson for the ASEAN Summit, said no major issues have been encountered so far in the implementation of security measures.
Over 7,000 security personnel have been deployed to secure the summit.
Molitas said the PRO-7 has prepared for the summit for over a year.
Simulation exercises were conducted to iron out some security issues, said Molitas.
Molitas expressed confidence that Metro Cebu will be peaceful while the summit is ongoing.
“Hopefully, there will be no problems. Cebu has always been known to be very peaceful. In all of the events that Cebu hosted, we have not had any problems,” said Molitas.