Over 7,300 security personnel have been deployed to ensure the safety of the 48th ASEAN Leaders' Summit, which will take place from May 6 to May 8, 2026. On Saturday, May 2, a send-off ceremony was held for the Task Group Central Visayas at the Mactan Shrine in Lapu-Lapu City, led by Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.
The security force comprises 5,226 PNP personnel, 510 from the Bureau of Fire Protection, 250 soldiers, 200 from Civil Defense, 200 from the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, 29 from the Department of Health, 150 from the Philippine Coast Guard, 732 from the Presidential Security Command, 50 from the Lapu-Lapu City Traffic Office, 200 force multipliers, and 2,850 from various logistics assets.
Security Measures in Place
General Nartatez announced that the Task Group Central Visayas began its operations on Saturday under the Committee on Security, Peace and Order, and Emergency Preparedness and Response. He expressed confidence in the success of the ASEAN Summit, citing the proven capacity of the Central Visayas police and their partners in handling major international events in Cebu, such as the Sinulog Festival and the 2015 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit held in Lapu-Lapu City.
“The template that we have made is a coordinated effort among security forces, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Army, the Navy, the Marines, and all other components led by Viscom,” Nartatez said.
Potential Threats and Preparations
Security forces have identified three potential threat groups: local terrorist groups, communist terrorist groups, and criminal gangs. However, assessments conducted during security command conferences since last year have not received any specific threats from these groups. The PNP and other security personnel are also preparing for possible protest actions by militant groups.
Nartatez expressed confidence in the new Central Visayas police chief, Police Brigadier General Arnold Abad, who gained experience in similar situations as former director of the Manila Police District. The police aim for zero incidents during the three-day summit.
