Hanoi (VNA) - The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have reassured the public that security preparations for hosting this year’s ASEAN Summit are progressing smoothly, with no credible threats detected so far.
In a press briefing in Malacañang on January 14, Acting PNP Chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said that authorities have been preparing for the past year to secure ASEAN-related activities in the country. The PNP, together with the AFP, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and local government units, continued to assess possible security risks, he said.
AFP Deputy Chief of Staff Rommel Roldan said the military will provide full support to the PNP, which will take the lead in maintaining peace and order during the country’s hosting of ASEAN-related activities. Troops have been ordered to extend necessary assistance to the PNP in ensuring the safety and security of the events, the Manila Times reported.
Meanwhile, Nartatez said special “ASEAN lanes” will be implemented for the movement of VIPs during ASEAN-related activities in Manila, similar to the arrangements made in previous summits.
The PNP Chief explained that these dedicated lanes were part of efforts to further improve security operations and ensure the safe, orderly and efficient transport of delegates and officials.
The Philippines is a founding member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and has previously hosted major ASEAN summits and ministerial meetings, most notably in 2017. As host of various ASEAN-related activities this year, the country is expected to welcome regional leaders, senior officials and delegates, prompting heightened but calibrated security preparations.
The 48th ASEAN Leaders’ Summit will take place on May 8–9 in Cebu, bringing together leaders from 11 ASEAN member states. The 49th ASEAN Leaders’ Summit will be held from November 10-12 in Manila, at the newly renovated Philippine International Convention Centre./.
