CV police beefing up 2026 Sinulog, ASEAN meet security

The Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO-7) has begun phased security preparations for the upcoming Sinulog Festival and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meetings scheduled in Bohol in early 2026.

P/Brig. Gen. Redrico A. Maranan, PRO-7 regional director, said the deployment would be carried out in stages to ensure both major events are adequately secured without overstretching police resources.

He said the phased approach is necessary as PRO-7 will simultaneously secure ASEAN-related meetings in Bohol, with delegates expected to arrive by mid-January 2026.

Police planners are managing personnel and equipment to meet the security requirements of both the Sinulog Festival and the international meetings, Maranan said.

For Sinulog, PRO-7 plans to augment up to 1,100 Philippine National Police personnel, with 290 officers already identified for early deployment. The remaining personnel will arrive in batches.

The augmentation force will be sourced from Eastern Visayas, Western Visayas, and the Negros Island Region.

PRO-7 will also deploy additional mobility assets to support security operations.

A total of 47 mobile patrol units requested from Camp Crame are now on hand, including 20 patrol cars and 10 motorcycles assigned to the Cebu City Police Office.

Maranan said the additional vehicles are intended to enhance visibility, patrol coverage, and response time during peak Sinulog activities.

All police units in Central Visayas have been directed to maintain full personnel readiness throughout the holiday season, with heightened alert status to remain until the conclusion of both events.