PNP on ‘full operational readiness’ as Asean Summit begins in Cebu

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) is now on “full operational readiness” as the 48th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit begins in Cebu on Wednesday, May 6.

“At present, we have no specific or credible threats directed at the Asean Summit, but we are not lowering our guard,” PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement.

“Full operational readiness is in effect across Central Visayas as we secure the 48th Asean Summit. Our personnel are on heightened alert to ensure the safety of delegates and the smooth conduct of all related activities,” he maintained.

READ: Asean 2026 Summit: Cebu meeting to tackle Middle East fallout

According to the top cop, over 7,300 personnel from the PNP, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Bureau of Fire Protection, the Philippine Coast Guard, the Department of Health and other government agencies have been deployed to the Central Visayas region as part of security and emergency preparedness measures.

Further, the PNP chief noted that their agency’s intelligence-gathering has been intensified and their cyber patrol units have been activated to monitor disinformation and digital threats during the summit.

“We continue to monitor all possible threats, including extremist activities, cyber risks, and lone actors, in close coordination with our intelligence partners,” Nartatez explained.

The Asean Summit in Cebu City is set to convene the leaders of the bloc’s 11 member-states, chaired by the Philippines, from Wednesday, May 6 to Friday, May 8. /jpv