By Benjamin Cuaresma
LAPU-LAPU CITY, CEBU — More than 7,300 personnel from government security and emergency response agencies were formally deployed on Saturday, May 2, to secure the 48th ASEAN Leaders’ Summit set for May 7–8 in Lapu-Lapu City.
The large-scale deployment was launched at the Mactan Shrine during a send-off ceremony led by Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., PRO-7 Officer-in-Charge PBGen. Arnold Abad, and Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Cynthia Chan. Officials from the Coast Guard, Bureau of Fire Protection, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Department of Health, and other agencies were also present.
Nartatez conducted aerial and ground inspections of key areas in Central Visayas to assess operational readiness, validate deployment plans, and ensure coordination across venues, transport routes, and critical sites.
The Task Group Central Visayas, under the Committee on Security, Peace and Order, and Emergency Preparedness and Response (CSPOEPR), activated the following personnel:
PNP – 5,226
AFP – 250
BFP – 510
PCG – 150
OCD – 200
Local units – 20 from Lapu-Lapu CDRRMO, 50 from the City Traffic Management System
Presidential Security Command – 732
Force multipliers – 200
This brings the total to more than 7,300 security and emergency responders, supported by 2,580 logistical units, including fire trucks, ambulances, and patrol vehicles.
Operations will cover site protection, convoy security, coastal and airspace monitoring, traffic management, emergency medical response, and rapid incident handling. Nartatez said deployment levels are “calibrated to maintain optimal security coverage at all times.”
“This operation is the result of extensive planning and sustained coordination, drawing from established best practices in previous national and international events. We are fully prepared to ensure a safe and secure ASEAN Summit,” he said.
The ASEAN Leaders’ Summit will run from May 7 to 8, 2026, in Lapu-Lapu City. Foreign delegates are expected to arrive as early as May 5 and depart by May 12. The event will bring together world leaders to discuss regional security cooperation, economic integration, and policy development.
Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro said security preparations are 80 percent complete, with hospitals on “code blue” alert throughout the summit.
Nartatez also expressed confidence in Cebu’s experience in hosting major events, citing the annual Sinulog Festival. “Nandyan sila… it will be a wonderful, seamless, and a very successful international activity,” he said.
On possible rallies, Nartatez said PRO-7 is prepared. “Rest assured that these are committed para di naman mahiya ang Lapu-Lapu at ang Pilipinas,” he added.
ia/xf
