Even without designated event venues, the Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO) is stepping up security preparations for the safe passage of delegates attending the upcoming Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit.
MCPO chief Police Colonel Cirilo Acosta Jr. said at least 60 MCPO personnel will be deployed for road security operations from January 26 to January 30, covering routes expected to be used by ASEAN delegates traveling between Lapu-Lapu City and Cebu City.
The deployment will be reinforced by around 30 additional personnel from partner agencies to ensure the orderly and secure movement of delegates.
Acosta clarified that Mandaue City is not included among the official engagement areas for the international summit.
“With concern sa Mandaue City, wala tay engagement area nga naka-designate as per coordination with the headquarters. Walay naka-earmark nga areas of engagement sa Mandaue,” he said.
Despite the absence of official venues, Acosta said MCPO is proactively securing major thoroughfares, particularly routes used by delegates arriving from Mactan-Cebu International Airport en route to Cebu City.
The MCPO will be assisted by personnel from the Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue (TEAM), the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).
Security operations will be conducted round-the-clock, with deployments scheduled in both morning and evening hours.
Authorities are also anticipating that some ASEAN delegates or event staff may stay at hotels in Mandaue City.
As a precaution, MCPO has coordinated with major hotels in the city and prepared contingency security plans.
Acosta said road security remains the main focus, with coverage extending to all possible routes, including access points from the first and second bridges linking Mandaue to Cebu City.
Meanwhile, the Police Regional Office Central Visayas (PRO 7) on January 24 led the send-off of more than 7,000 personnel assigned to ASEAN Summit security operations.
The deployment involves members of the Philippine National Police and partner agencies, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Coast Guard, and the Department of Health.
PRO 7 director Police Brigadier General Redrico Atienza Maranan earlier assured the public that comprehensive security measures are in place to ensure the safety of ASEAN delegates, dignitaries, and the general public throughout the summit period. (VCL)
