PNP: No threats monitored so far vs 2026 ASEAN meet

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has not monitored any security threats so far related to the Philippines’ hosting of the 2026 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meetings this year.

In a Palace press briefing on Wednesday, PNP acting chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said they have been conducting their security planning for the ASEAN meetings for almost a year.

“Ang ating kinokonsidera ay ang different threats that will affect the activities,” he said.

(What we are considering are the different threats that will affect the activities.)

“As of now, upon our coordination, hindi lang po ang PNP, uulitin ko other law enforcement units, even the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Coast Guard, and our community, wala po tayong nakukuhang or nakalap na threats with regards to the conduct of ASEAN,” Nartatez added.

(As of now, upon our coordination, not just the PNP, I repeat, even the other law enforcement units, even the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Coast Guard, and our community, we have not yet received or monitored any threats with regards to the conduct of ASEAN.)

In November last year, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. launched the Philippines’ chairmanship of the ASEAN for 2026.

The government set the venues for the ASEAN meetings around the country in Manila, Cebu, Bohol, Boracay, Laoag, Iloilo, Tagaytay, and Clark.

"Each of these places will host ASEAN meetings and events that celebrate our diversity, showcase our culture, and advance our shared goals,” Marcos previously said.

The theme is “Navigating our Future, Together,” which will focus on three priorities: peace and security anchors; prosperity corridors; and people empowerment. 

“These will direct ASEAN’s efforts to strengthen dialogue and cooperation on regional security, deepen economic integration through innovation and sustainability, and uplift the lives and resilience of our peoples,” the President said. 

Earlier, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said it is preparing for the attendance of presidents, prime ministers, and heads of states not just from ASEAN countries but its dialogue partners as well. — JMA, GMA Integrated News