AROUND 20,000 COPS TO SECURE 49TH ASEAN SUMMIT

NEARLY 20,000 police personnel are set to be deployed for the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits on Nov. 16–18, Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said.

The country’s top cop assured the public of top security for the upcoming summit.

He said the police officers will secure summit venues, hotels, billeting areas and motorcade routes.

Nartatez said the PNP will coordinate with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Presidential Security Command (PSC), other government agencies and local governments to ensure peace and order during the event.

“The PNP is ready to provide security for the heads of state, foreign delegates, and other expected guests. We will deploy 19,869 police personnel to secure the summit venues, hotels, billeting areas, and motorcade routes, in close coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Presidential Security Command, other government agencies, and local government units,” said Nartatez in a press briefing held in Camp Crame.

Nartatez likewise ordered intensified intelligence monitoring in Metro Manila and nearby areas to identify, assess and address potential security threats before the arrival of foreign dignitaries.

As preparations enter their final phase, he said the PNP assured participating countries that the police organization remains ready to secure the event and protect all delegates.

“We assure our ASEAN partners that the PNP is fully committed and prepared to secure this important regional gathering. We will leave nothing to chance, and our personnel will remain vigilant, disciplined, and ready to respond to any eventuality to ensure a peaceful and incident-free summit,” Nartatez said, adding that the PNP will be on full alert during the ASEAN Summit.

Malacañang has declared Nov. 16 to 18 as special non-working days in Metro Manila to facilitate security preparations for the summit.