Acting Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. announced on Thursday, January 8, 2026, that security preparations for the upcoming Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-related events in Cebu Province are now complete.
Dual Focus on Sinulog and ASEAN Security
In an official statement, Nartatez clarified that while police personnel have already been deployed for the Sinulog Festival, he has issued direct orders to ensure sufficient forces are also allocated for the high-profile ASEAN gatherings. He instructed the Regional Director of Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 to guarantee enough deployment for the ASEAN Tourism Ministers’ Meeting and the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, which are scheduled for the last week of January in Cebu.
"Our personnel in Cebu are not only focused on the Sinulog Festival but also on the upcoming ministerial meetings in connection with the ASEAN Summit and related summits," Nartatez stated.
Showcasing the Philippines as a Secure Destination
The PNP chief emphasized that the police force aims to demonstrate to the international community that the Philippines is a safe and secure country for major events. He pointed out that achieving this goal hinges on the full cooperation of the public.
"The complete cooperation of the public is the key to achieving this mission," Nartatez added, calling for community vigilance and support.
No Specific Threats, But Police Remain on Alert
Despite the extensive preparations, Nartatez reported that the PNP has not monitored any specific threats related to the ASEAN Summit. However, he assured the public that the entire police force remains on high alert and is prepared for any contingency.
The entire PNP remains on alert for anything that might happen, the acting chief concluded, underscoring the organization's proactive and vigilant stance for the duration of the events.
