Massive Security Deployment for ASEAN Meetings in Boracay
The Philippines has mobilized a significant security force of 1,900 personnel for the upcoming ASEAN Senior Level Committee on Financial Integration and Related Meetings in Boracay Island, scheduled from March 2 to 6, 2026. This deployment follows the successful conclusion of the 49th Meeting of the High-Level Task Force on ASEAN Economic Integration in Iloilo City, which took place from February 25 to 27, 2026, without any security-related incidents.
Successful Iloilo Event Sets the Stage
Under the leadership of Police Brigadier General Josefino Ligan, commander of the ASEAN 2026 Site Task Group Iloilo, the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas secured the Iloilo City meeting, which attracted 88 delegates and participants from ASEAN member states. The gathering focused on strategies to strengthen regional economic cooperation and integration. Ligan attributed the peaceful outcome to the professionalism and dedication of all personnel involved, as well as strong support from partner agencies, local government units, and the community.
"The peaceful and incident-free conduct of this important gathering reflects the professionalism, dedication, and discipline of all personnel of ASEAN 2026 STG Iloilo, as well as the strong support and cooperation of partner agencies, local government units, and the community," Ligan stated. "Their collective effort and shared commitment to public safety were instrumental in the overall success of the event."
Comprehensive Security Measures Implemented
During the Iloilo City event, Ligan supervised the deployment of trained personnel who implemented layered security measures. These included:
- Venue and billet security
- Route management and patrol operations
- Round-the-clock monitoring at the Multi-Agency Coordinating Center
- Police assistance desks for immediate support to delegates
To enhance coordination, PRO 6 activated Project Dapay, a drone-based monitoring system that provided aerial surveillance and situational awareness throughout the international gathering.
Boracay Preparations Underway
Following the Iloilo City event, security forces have shifted their focus to Boracay Island in Malay, Aklan. The deployment of 1,900 personnel for the financial integration meetings came after a successful accounting and pre-deployment briefing on March 1, 2026, at the Caticlan Covered Court in Caticlan, Malay, Aklan.
The activity was led by Police Colonel Ramos, provincial director of the Aklan Police Provincial Office and Site Security Task Group commander. Also present were Ralph Tolosa, ex-officio Sangguniang Bayan member and Liga ng mga Barangay president of Malay, Aklan; Pastor Peter Arbolario of the Pastor Council of Malay; task unit commanders; and augmentation personnel from various security units.
Tolosa delivered a message on behalf of the municipal mayor, underscoring the role of the community in sustaining gains and best practices from previous ASEAN-related events hosted in the province.
Demonstrating Regional Capability
The Boracay deployment forms part of comprehensive security preparations to ensure the safe and orderly conduct of the financial integration meetings, which are expected to gather senior officials and delegates from ASEAN member states. PRO 6 emphasized that the back-to-back operations in Iloilo City and Boracay demonstrate the region's capability to host high-level international events while maintaining strict security standards and inter-agency coordination.
The regional police office reiterated its commitment to sustain heightened security measures for all major events in Western Visayas to ensure public safety and the protection of local and foreign delegates.
