PNP in full operational readiness for the entire ASEAN summit
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has declared full operational readiness for the 48th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Meetings in Cebu which the country will be hosting starting on Wednesday, May 6.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. said the entire police force in Central Visayas is now on a mission-critical footing to ensure the seamless conduct of the high-level meetings.
“Our personnel are on heightened alert to ensure the safety of delegates and the smooth conduct of all related activities,” said Nartatez.
More than 7,300 personnel from the PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Coast Guard, Department of Health, and other partner agencies were deployed to Central Visayas to form the Task Group Central Visayas under the Committee on Security, Peace and Order, and Emergency Preparedness and Response.
Their responsibilities cover venue security, convoy and route protection, coastal and air surveillance, traffic management, medical assistance, and emergency response operations.
Nartatez also ordered the activation of cyber patrol units to monitor disinformation and digital threats throughout the event. He also directed an intensification of intelligence gathering to validate any possible security risks.
"Our instructions emphasize coordination at every level—from precincts to regional commands—to ensure seamless communication and immediate action when necessary," Nartatez explained.
Despite the heavy deployment of tactical units, Nartatez clarified that there was no current threat to the public, saying the visible presence of security forces was intended to reassure the public and deter any possible risks while the ASEAN Summit is underway.
“At present, we have no specific or credible threats directed at the ASEAN Summit, but we are not lowering our guard,” he noted.
“We continue to monitor all possible threats, including extremist activities, cyber risks, and lone actors, in close coordination with our intelligence partners," he added.