Bohol steps up security as delegates arrive for Asean energy meetings

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Bohol has begun receiving senior officials and heads of delegation from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) as preparations intensify for a series of high-level meetings on Panglao Island scheduled until January 31.

Delegates started arriving early Monday, January 19, prompting authorities to implement heightened security measures across key entry points and venues. The Bohol–Panglao International Airport Police were placed on full alert to assist visiting officials and ensure strict compliance with security protocols.

The Asean Task Group Bohol, led by Provincial Director Col. Patricio Degay Jr of Bohol Police Provincial Office, is overseeing comprehensive security operations throughout the province. He said security has been tightened at summit venues, airports, and along designated routes and convoy paths connecting arrival points to official meeting locations and other secured areas.

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Authorities said the measures are aimed at ensuring the safety of delegates and the smooth, orderly conduct of all summit-related activities.

The Philippines, under its Asean chairship, is hosting the Asean Special Senior Officials Meeting on Energy (Some) and its associated meetings in Bohol from January 20 to 22. The meetings will convene Asean energy senior officials and governing council members to review ongoing work programs, align priorities, and discuss new initiatives to strengthen regional energy cooperation.

Discussions will focus on preparations for the initial implementation of the Asean Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) 2026–2030, ASEAN’s five-year framework for energy collaboration. The plan outlines coordinated actions across key areas, including power interconnection, renewable energy, energy efficiency, oil and gas connectivity, clean coal transformation, civilian nuclear energy, and regional energy policy and planning.

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Senior officials are also expected to endorse annual energy priorities under the Philippine Chairship, advance priority economic deliverables, and deepen cooperation with Asean dialogue partners to enhance regional energy security and resilience, including coordinated responses to potential disruptions.

In a news release by Asean, the Department of Energy said the meetings are geared toward technical alignment and early readiness to ensure the smooth rollout of Asean energy programs for the year. The agency is working with the National Organizing Council, the provincial government of Bohol, and the municipality of Panglao to support the conduct of the meetings.

Electric vehicles will also be used for official transport during the meetings, as part of efforts to promote cleaner and more efficient mobility solutions and demonstrate the viability of low-emission transport in high-level international events. /dl