20k cops to secure next week’s ASEAN Summit
The Philippine National Police (PNP) will deploy nearly 20,000 police personnel to secure venues, hotels, billeting areas, and motorcade routes during the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits on 16 to 18 November PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. assured Monday.
Nartatez said the PNP would deploy 19,869 personnel to ensure the safety of heads of state, foreign delegates, and other expected guests during the regional gathering.
The police force will coordinate with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Presidential Security Command, other government agencies, and local government units to maintain peace and order, he said during a press briefing at Camp Crame.
Alongside deployment preparations, Nartatez ordered intensified intelligence monitoring in Metro Manila and nearby areas to identify, assess, and address potential security threats ahead of the arrival of foreign dignitaries.
“We assure our ASEAN partners that the PNP is fully committed and prepared to secure this important regional gathering. We will leave nothing to chance, and our personnel will remain vigilant, disciplined, and ready to respond to any eventuality to ensure a peaceful and incident-free summit,” Nartatez said.
He added that the PNP would be placed on full alert throughout the summit.
Malacañang has declared 16 to 18 November as special non-working days in Metro Manila to facilitate security preparations and minimize public inconvenience.
Nartatez urged Metro Manila residents to monitor official traffic and security advisories and plan their travel accordingly.
Meanwhile, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Acting Director Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano said the regional police office has intensified intelligence monitoring and security assessments ahead of the summit.
Abrahano said authorities have not monitored any verified threats related to the international gathering, but intelligence units continue to gather and validate information and assess potential security risks.
“We will not wait for a threat to materialize before we act. Our intelligence units are continuously monitoring developments, validating information, and working with our security partners to identify and address potential risks at the earliest possible stage,” he said in a separate statement.
He also directed NCRPO intelligence and operational units to immediately investigate credible security information, verify reported threats, and take appropriate action based on established protocols and validated intelligence.