Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Monday assured the public of tight security for the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits on Nov. 16–18, with nearly 20,000 police personnel to be deployed across summit venues, hotels, billeting areas and motorcade routes.

He said the PNP will coordinate with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Presidential Security Command, 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.

Alongside deployment preparations, Nartatez 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.

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

“For our kababayans (fellow citizens) in Metro Manila, please be guided by the declaration of Nov. 16 to 18 as special non-working days in the National Capital Region. We encourage everyone to monitor official traffic and security advisories and plan their travel accordingly,” Nartatez said.

Meanwhile, National Capital Region Police Office acting director Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano said the NCRPO is maintaining heightened intelligence monitoring and security assessments ahead of the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, assuring the public that security preparations remain in full swing despite the absence of any verified threat to the international gathering.

Abrahano said that while no verified threat had been monitored related to the international event, intelligence units continue to gather and validate information and assess potential security risks to ensure a timely and coordinated response to any emerging concern.

“We will not wait for a threat to materialize before we act. Our intelligence units are continuously monitoring developments, validating information, and working with our security partners to identify and address potential risks at the earliest possible stage,” he said in a separate statement.

He directed NCRPO intelligence and operational units to immediately investigate credible security information, ensure that reported threats undergo proper verification, and initiate appropriate action based on established protocols and validated intelligence.

Major activities of the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits will be held at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City. (PNA)