PNP on heightened alert for ASEAN Summit

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has intensified intelligence monitoring and ordered a final review of security deployments ahead of the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Metro Manila next week.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said Monday, 9 November, that police units were completing security arrangements for the arrival of more than 20 world leaders and foreign dignitaries.

Nartatez directed the National Capital Region Police Office and other concerned units to validate deployment plans, strengthen intelligence operations and review emergency response procedures.

“The PNP is in the final stages of ironing out its security preparations to ensure that every detail is covered before the arrival of our foreign leaders and delegates. We are fine-tuning our deployment, intelligence monitoring, contingency plans, and inter-agency coordination because when it comes to security, even the smallest detail matters,” Nartatez said.

The police preparations follow President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive, coursed through Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, to ensure the safety of summit participants.

Malacañang earlier reported that preparations for the international gathering were 90 percent to 95 percent complete.

Nartatez said intelligence monitoring had been intensified across Metro Manila and nearby areas to identify and address potential security threats.

“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,” he said.

The PNP is coordinating with local governments, security agencies and other stakeholders to finalize operational requirements ahead of the summit, scheduled for 15 to 17 November at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.