The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) began deploying security personnel across Metro Manila on Tuesday, November 10, to secure visiting foreign leaders for the upcoming 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits.
According to AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla, the military is coordinating with the Philippine National Police (PNP)—which manages general peace and order—while directly protecting heads of delegation through the Presidential Security Command (PSC).
While the exact troop count was not disclosed, the deployment covers summit venues, official hotels, and designated transport routes.
“For the ASEAN Summit, we are in the front lines in terms of the security aspect. The Philippine National Police is there for peace and order. We augment them as the need arises,” Padilla said.
Padilla emphasized that ensuring the safety of visiting dignitaries is a primary institutional responsibility.
“In terms of the security of the highest leaders of the land, it is the mandate of the Armed Forces of the Philippines through the Presidential Security Command. We will be securing each head of delegation as they are in the Philippines for the whole duration of their stay,” she stated.
Describing the scale of the operations, Padilla noted that all necessary precautions are being taken.
“These are the highest leaders of the land. Because they are in our country, we are responsible for their utmost security. We will not leave any stone unturned,” she added.
Preparations remain active and will continue until all delegates depart the country. The Philippines is hosting the summit in Metro Manila from November 15 to 18 under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., themed “Navigating Our Future, Together.”