Police assure security of gathering of ASEAN chief justices in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines —  The Police Regional Office (PRO)-7 has assured that security preparations are in order for the 11th meeting of the Council of ASEAN Chief Justices and the ASEAN Law Association in Cebu starting tomorrow, Nov 18 until Nov 21, 2024.

A formal sendoff ceremony took place at the Mactan Shrine in Lapu-Lapu City on Friday, November 15, in collaboration with partner government agencies.

The ceremony was led by PRO-7 regional director Police Brigadier General Anthony Aberin, and attended by various law enforcement agencies that will support the police force in implementing comprehensive security measures.

The initiative, according to PRO-7, is aimed at ensuring the smooth and safe conduct of the international event with representatives from ten ASEAN countries and three additional countries, including 13 Chief Justices, 24 Justices, 27 VIPs, and an estimated 100 ALA delegates.

A total of 781 PNP personnel, together with 821 partners from the Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Coast Guard, Regional Maritime Unit, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), City Traffic Management System (CTMS) of Lapu-Lapu City, and Task Force Kasaligan, will be responsible for securing the event 24/7.

In his remarks, Aberin expressed the expectation of achieving a “zero incident” record during this meeting.

“I expect a "zero incident" record throughout the meeting. Let us do our part to exemplify the Philippines' hospitality and security, thereby demonstrating to the ASEAN community and the international audience the nation’s competence, reliability, and commitment to the success of the event," Aberin stressed.

In a separate statement, the Supreme Court, who will be hosting the said meeting, will bring together chief justices, judges and senior judiciary officials from ASEAN member states to discuss judicial cooperation and regional initiatives in Southeast Asia.

Among the matters that will be discussed at the CACJ Meeting are cross-border disputes involving children; judicial knowledge exchange on trafficking in persons adjudication; facilitating service of civil processes within ASEAN; case management and court technology; conduct of videoconference hearings; and judicial training and education. (CEBU NEWS)