MANILA, Philippines — Police units across Metro Manila have been directed to ramp up security protocols at venues and designated zones ahead of the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, which opens next week.
National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Director Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano ordered the strict and professional implementation of security checkpoints, exclusion zones, and identification procedures to safeguard foreign delegates and the public while preventing unauthorized entry.
“Our security perimeter is there for a clear purpose: to prevent unauthorized access and keep potential threats away from our delegates, personnel, and the public. I expect our personnel to enforce every security protocol without exception, but always with professionalism, courtesy, and respect for people’s rights,” Abrahano said.
The security escalation aligns with Malacañang’s proclamation declaring November 16 to 18 as special non-working days in Metro Manila to ease public inconvenience and maximize security measures for arriving world leaders.
While the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported that monitored security threats remain low-level and insignificant, top officials stressed that security arrangements are fully mobilized.
PNP Chief PGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. earlier emphasized the total deployment of agency resources.
“The PNP is ready in so far as the security of the activity including the VIPs, attendees and including the area where the meetings would be held. We will be working with other government agencies on the matter,” Nartatez said, adding that necessary alert statuses will be declared.
“We will be using our resources fully and we will be declaring the necessary alert status of the PNP,” he added.
The main summit activities will take place at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City.
Abrahano instructed security units to meticulously verify credentials, monitor public spaces near restricted zones, and swiftly validate any reports of unattended items or suspicious activities.
“Any potential threat must be promptly assessed and addressed in accordance with established security procedures,” Abrahano noted, urging public cooperation. “Security restrictions are not meant to inconvenience the public but are necessary safeguards for the orderly and safe conduct of the international gathering.”