PNP declares 'full operational readiness' for ASEAN Summit in Cebu

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has declared "full operational readiness" for the country’s hosting of the 48th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and related meeting in Cebu.

In a statement released on Wednesday, PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the entire police force in Central Visayas has been placed on a mission-critical footing.

“Full operational readiness is in effect across Central Visayas as we secure the 48th ASEAN Summit. Our personnel are on heightened alert to ensure the safety of delegates and the smooth conduct of all related activities,” Nartatez said.

Authorities said more than 7,300 personnel from the PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Department of Health (DOH), and other partner agencies have been deployed under the Task Group Central Visayas of the Committee on Security, Peace and Order, and Emergency Preparedness and Response.

The deployment covers venue security, convoy and route protection, coastal and air surveillance, traffic management, medical assistance, and emergency response operations.

Nartatez also ordered the activation of cyber patrol units to monitor disinformation and potential digital threats throughout the duration of the summit, alongside intensified intelligence monitoring to validate possible security risks.

“Our instructions emphasize coordination at every level—from precincts to regional commands—to ensure seamless communication and immediate action when necessary,” Nartatez said.

Despite the heightened security posture, Nartatez said there are no current threats to the summit or to participating delegates.

“At present, we have no specific or credible threats directed at the ASEAN Summit, but we are not lowering our guard,” he said.

Security forces will continue monitoring extremist activities, cyber threats, and potential lone actor risks in coordination with intelligence partners, according to the PNP chief.

“We continue to monitor all possible threats, including extremist activities, cyber risks, and lone actors, in close coordination with our intelligence partners,” Nartatez said. —VAL, GMA News