PNP gearing up for PH hosting of 2026 Asean Summit
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday said no threats related to the country’s hosting of the 2026 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and related summits have been monitored.
PNP acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said security preparations are underway, and the PNP—together with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine Coast Guard, and local government units—is ready to implement coordinated security measures.
“What we are considering are the different threats that could affect the activities. As of now, based on our coordination, not only with the PNP but also with other law enforcement units, including the AFP, PCG, and our communities, we have not received or gathered any threats regarding the conduct of the ASEAN,” Nartatez said in Filipino at a Palace briefing.
“So, in coordination with other law enforcement agencies, the AFP, and of course, our local government units, we are now ready to implement and proceed with our security operations for ASEAN,” he added.
Nartatez also pointed out that special “ASEAN lanes” will facilitate the movement of VIPs during ASEAN-related activities in Manila.
Meanwhile, AFP Deputy Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Rommel Roldan said the military will provide full support to the PNP.
“Our soldiers have already been given marching orders to provide the necessary support to our police force as far as the security aspect of the ASEAN-related activities is concerned, especially since we are the host this year. So there is already coordination with the PNP,” said Roldan in Filipino.
The 48th ASEAN Leaders’ Summit will take place on May 8 and 9 in Cebu, bringing together leaders from the 11 ASEAN member states: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam.
Meanwhile, the 49th ASEAN Leaders’ Summit is scheduled on November 10 to 12 in Manila at the newly renovated Philippine International Convention Center. /gsg
