The Philippine National Police (PNP) is finalizing security measures for the upcoming ASEAN-related meetings set to be held in Cebu province later this month. 

While police personnel are already deployed for the Sinulog Festival, PNP Chief Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. ordered the Cebu Police Provincial Office and Police Regional Office 7 to ensure that sufficient manpower is also allocated for the ASEAN ministerial meetings.

The ASEAN Tourism Ministers’ Meeting and the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting are scheduled during the last week of January and will be held alongside other major activities in Cebu, including the Sinulog Festival.

“Our personnel in Cebu are not only focused on the Sinulog Festival but also on the upcoming ministerial meetings in connection with the ASEAN Summit and related summits,” Nartatez said.

“I already directed the Regional Director of PRO7 to ensure there is enough deployment for the ASEAN Tourism and Foreign Ministers’ meetings, in addition to the deployment for the Sinulog Festival,” he added.

Nartatez stressed that the police force will guarantee the safety and security of all delegates, including foreign dignitaries attending the ASEAN events.

“As the country hosts this year’s ASEAN Summit, the PNP wants to demonstrate to the international community that the Philippines is a safe and secure place,” he said.

Nartatez also emphasized the importance of public cooperation in maintaining peace and order during the events.

He noted that, so far, no specific security threats have been detected in connection with the ASEAN Summit and related meetings. 

However, he said the entire PNP remains on heightened alert.

“So far, no threats have been monitored, but our cops will remain vigilant to prevent any disruption to peace and security,” Nartatez said.