10,000 personnel set for deployment: Summit security

CEBU, Philippines —  Barely a week before the kick-off of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Leaders’ Summit 2026, authorities continue to ramp up security measures, with at least 10,000 personnel set for deployment to ensure the safety of heads of state, delegates, and thousands of visitors expected in Cebu.

The security buildup was confirmed during a press briefing held yesterday at the Cebu Provincial Capitol, where officials outlined a multi-layered approach to protect the international gathering.

Police Colonel Kim Molitas, spokesperson of Police Regional Office (PRO)-7 for ASEAN, said the figure remains an initial estimate and may still change depending on evolving security needs.

“As mentioned earlier, the security preparations are very liquid. I will say that there’s 10,000, but they can be more or they can be less,” Molitas said, emphasizing the flexibility of deployment plans.

Of the projected number, more than 4,000 personnel will come from Central Visayas, while the rest will include members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and the Presidential Security Command.

Molitas added that over 1,000 personnel will come from the Presidential Security Command, tasked with securing the immediate vicinity of visiting world leaders.

To ensure seamless coordination, authorities have established a centralized command center that will be used by all participating agencies.

While no specific threats have been monitored so far, Molitas said intelligence units continue to conduct daily assessments.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has yet to declare a full alert status, pending guidance from national headquarters, but preparations are already ongoing.

Molitas noted that all 200,000 police officers nationwide are expected to be on duty once a full alert is declared.

On possible additional security measures, she said decisions on a gun ban or signal shutdown will depend on the recommendation of the joint task force and approval from higher authorities.

“We will assess that… communication is very needed and it’s very essential for the ASEAN leaders’ meeting,” she said, referring to the possibility of signal restrictions.

Authorities are expecting around 20,000 attendees, including heads of state, ministers, staff, media, and representatives from the business sector.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines, for its part, confirmed it will deploy more than 1,000 personnel, including both overt and covert security units.

Lieutenant Colonel Israel O. Galorio said the deployment will include augmentation forces for the police, emergency response teams, and medical personnel.

AFP Colonel Joel Benedict Batara expressed confidence in the military’s readiness, noting that preparations began as early as the third quarter of last year.

He said the military will implement a “multi-domain capability,” combining assets from the Philippine Army, Air Force, and Navy, along with cybersecurity measures to counter potential threats.

“There will be units deployed in many strategic areas… they will be deployed in such a way that they will be quick reaction forces,” Batara added.

The Philippine Coast Guard will also be on heightened alert from April 30 to May 10, deploying 92 personnel in Mactan and enforcing strict maritime security measures.

Sea vessels and watercraft will be restricted from transiting certain areas as part of the security protocol.

Meanwhile, the Presidential Security Command will handle the “inner ring” of protection, focusing on the immediate security of heads of state and their delegations.

Authorities also conducted convoy runs and simulations to test response times and adjust to changing road conditions in Cebu.

Molitas said these exercises are continuously refined as traffic dynamics shift daily.

Officials acknowledged that factors such as the suspension of classes help ease road congestion but

assured the public that efforts are being made to minimize disruption to daily life.

“We want to make sure that we lessen any disruption with the normal life of our kababayan here in Cebu,” Molitas said.

Despite the massive security preparations, officials underscored that ensuring safety during the summit is a shared responsibility for all people in Cebu.

The upcoming event will bring together leaders from the ten member states of ASEAN, with Region 7 set to host approximately 15 foreign delegations.

PCG begins heightened alert on thursday

The PCG, through Coast Guard District Central Visayas (CGDCV), has also been placed on heightened alert from April 30 to May 10.

CGDCV Deputy for Operations Abel Lomboy said that the PCG will deploy 92 personnel and 12 seaborne assets, including patrol vessels, high-speed response boats, and rigid-hull inflatable boats, to secure Mactan waters and surrounding areas.

It also issued a Notice to Mariners designating restricted maritime zones during the security period, while advising operators of water activities to secure prior clearance before operations.

Bohol

In Bohol, police have also enhanced their security readiness following the turnover of 23 mobility assets and information and communications technology (ICT) equipment from PRO-7 during a command visit at Camp Dagohoy on April 27, 2026.

The turnover included 18 Mitsubishi Triton 4x4 personnel carriers, two Toyota Hilux units, one Toyota Innova, and two Honda XR 150 dirt bike motorcycles, along with ICT equipment. The new assets are expected to improve police mobility, speed up response time, and strengthen coordination in law enforcement operations, particularly in tourism-heavy and high-traffic areas.

The initiative aligns with the efforts of the PNP to enhance operational capability across all units.

PRO-7 Acting Regional Director Arnold E. Abad said the deployment reflects continued support for frontline personnel.

“This is a concrete demonstration of the PNP’s commitment to strengthen our capabilities and support our personnel. With better mobility and improved communication systems, we empower our units to respond faster, operate smarter, and serve our communities more effectively,” Abad said.

He added that Bohol’s hosting of major national and international engagements, including ASEAN-related activities, requires sustained readiness and coordination among law enforcement units, local government units (LGUs), and stakeholders.

Abad also emphasized the importance of strengthening partnerships with LGUs, barangays, and communities to maximize the impact of the new assets, stressing that effective policing relies on cooperation and trust.

The PRO-7 chief also reiterated support for the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s Safer Cities Initiative under DILG Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla, underscoring the need for unified efforts in maintaining peace and order, especially in tourism hubs like Bohol.

He reminded personnel to uphold discipline, professionalism, and respect for human rights, noting that improved capability must go hand in hand with accountability.

The ceremony was attended by local chief executives, municipal officials, and representatives of recipient units, highlighting a shared commitment to strengthening peace and security in the province.

Abad urged personnel to uphold the PNP’s guiding principle: “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas:

Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman,” emphasizing service that is swift, honest, and felt by the public.

Cebu City

Meanwhile, in Cebu City, Mayor Nestor Archival put the local police to the test through a simulation exercise at City Hall, assessing their ability to respond swiftly to emergencies.

The drill was not staged in isolation but came in the wake of recent incidents that raised public concern over how quickly authorities can mobilize when lives are at stake.

The exercise unfolded during the final stretch of Archival’s latest press conference, which was streamed live.

At his instruction, a member of the press placed a call to simulate a distress incident.

The reporter did not identify herself as a reporter, instead relaying a supposed situation at the Mayor’s Office.

The Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) immediately transmitted the report to the Carbon Police Station, a station near the City Hall premises, which dispatched personnel immediately.

The reporter also received a follow-up message from the CCPO’s assistance desk, providing details of the responding team to ensure that easy identification would be possible upon response.

Within three to five minutes, officers arrived at the scene.

Archival, visibly impressed and smiling broadly, stressed that the drill underscored both speed and coordination.

He emphasized that public safety remains a top priority of his administration and urged residents to remain vigilant, reminding them to use official communication channels when reporting incidents.

The mayor noted that feedback mechanisms are in place to ensure accountability.

The Cebu City government also stressed that the drill was not only a test of speed but also a demonstration of accountability, preparedness, and the vital role of efficient communication in protecting lives. — Sandara Laurente, CTU-TUBURAN INTERN (IHM) (FREEMAN)