MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang urged advocacy groups to maintain peace and order during the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in November, appealing to demonstrators to reschedule planned protests while the country hosts foreign dignitaries.
During a press briefing on Wednesday, September 23, Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro noted that while President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. respects the public’s constitutional right to peaceful assembly, hosting the regional summit reflects on the nation’s international image.
“Ang pagkakaroon po ng event na malaki na ganito ay sasalamin kung anong klaseng mga Pilipino tayo,” Castro said.
“Mas magandang i-welcome natin ang ating mga bisita. At kung kayo naman po ay mayroong hinaing, ito naman ay maaari ninyo namang sabihin sa ibang araw,” she added.
Castro clarified that the executive branch is issuing an appeal rather than imposing a prohibition on public assemblies.
“Pero liliwanagin ko—baka magkaroon na naman ng misinterpretation itong ating sinasabi—ito ay isang hiling; hindi po ito pagdidikta,” she stated.
“Muli, ang nais ng Pangulo iparating sa ating mga kababayan na ang inyong karapatan na manawagan, magsabi ng inyong mga hinaing ay karapatan; hindi po ito ipinagbabawal,” Castro emphasized.
The request follows heightened public interest regarding event security, following a recent security breach where demonstrators gained access to the Luzon Economic Corridor Investment Forum venue earlier this month.
While Castro did not outline specific tactical details such as exact troop numbers, road closures, or checkpoint locations, she confirmed that the Philippine National Police (PNP) has submitted its operational framework to Malacañang.
“The Philippine National Police is ready to secure the 49th ASEAN Summit this November 2026,” the PNP stated, adding that its units are coordinating with local government units and partner agencies to manage venue security, route coverage, and contingency responses.
The high-level gathering will take place from November 16 to 18. To facilitate diplomatic movements and maintain security corridors, Malacañang previously declared these dates as special non-working days across the National Capital Region.