The Philippine National Police has declared full operational readiness for the 48th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit and related meetings in Cebu, placing security forces across Central Visayas on heightened alert ahead of the high-level gathering.
PNP Chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said police units in the region are now on a mission-critical footing to ensure the safety of delegates and the smooth conduct of summit activities, in line with directives from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla.
“Full operational readiness is in effect across Central Visayas as we secure the 48th ASEAN Summit. Our personnel are on heightened alert to ensure the safety of delegates and the smooth conduct of all related activities,” Nartatez said.
More than 7,300 personnel from the PNP, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Bureau of Fire Protection, the Philippine Coast Guard, the Department of Health, and other partner agencies have been deployed under Task Group Central Visayas, part of the Committee on Security, Peace and Order, and Emergency Preparedness and Response.
Security operations cover venue protection, convoy and route security, coastal and air surveillance, traffic management, medical assistance, and emergency response.
Nartatez also ordered the activation of cyber patrol units to monitor disinformation and potential digital threats, alongside intensified intelligence gathering to identify possible risks.
“Our instructions emphasize coordination at every level—from precincts to regional commands—to ensure seamless communication and immediate action when necessary,” he said.
Despite the large-scale deployment, the PNP chief said there are no specific or credible threats to the summit at this time, noting that the visible presence of security forces is meant to reassure the public and deter potential risks.
“At present, we have no specific or credible threats directed at the ASEAN Summit, but we are not lowering our guard,” he said.
“We continue to monitor all possible threats, including extremist activities, cyber risks, and lone actors, in close coordination with our intelligence partners,” he added.