Trump visit puts Manila on high alert
Police and maritime authorities are tightening security ahead of the ASEAN Summit, restricting sea activities, increasing patrols at transport hubs, and deploying hundreds of emergency personnel as the Philippines prepares to host US President Donald Trump and other leaders.
The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) placed its regional offices on heightened alert from 13 to 23 November, ordering intensified vessel inspections and stricter enforcement of safety regulations ahead of expected increased passenger and ship traffic.
Shipowners and operators were reminded to ensure that their vessels were seaworthy, were covered by valid certificates, observed passenger limits, and employed qualified crew members.
Dredging, reclamation, and related marine activities within 500 yards of the shorelines of Manila, Pasay City and Parañaque City will be suspended from 15 to 18 November. Affected vessels and equipment must be moved outside the restricted area by 14 November.
Malacañang has withheld details of Trump’s engagements, including whether he would hold a bilateral meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., citing security concerns.
Palace press officer Claire Castro said the Department of Foreign Affairs would release the information that could be made public.
She declined to say if the long-awaited Code of Conduct (CoC) between ASEAN and China would be finalized during the Manila summit. She said the President wanted the agreement concluded while the Philippines chaired the regional bloc.
“Every day, there is hope,” she said, when asked if the President was optimistic.
No signing
The Associated Press, citing three Southeast Asian diplomats familiar with the negotiations, reported that the CoC would not be signed during the summit.
ASEAN and China adopted the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea in 2002, committing to peaceful solutions to disputes and maritime cooperation to maintain regional stability.
Marina also designated a 3.5-nautical-mile by 3.5-nautical-mile no-loitering zone, prohibiting unauthorized anchoring, fishing, diving, and drone operations in restricted areas.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) ordered regional offices to increase patrols at airports, seaports, bus terminals, highways, and tourist destinations from 14 to 18 November.
PNP chief Police Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the measures would secure the travelers expected to take advantage of the extended holiday, including the special nonworking days from 16 to 18 November.
The government also activated 774 emergency personnel and 119 specialized assets, including ambulances, fire trucks, engineering and transport equipment, chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear units, tactical communications equipment, and Starlink satellite systems.