The Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) has dispatched 175 personnel and mobility assets to Cebu to strengthen security for the 48th ASEAN Leaders’ Summit and related meetings in May.
The contingent includes 108 motorcycle riders with motorcycles, 38 drivers, and 24 crew members operating 38 mobile patrol vehicles. Five convoy officers will supervise the operation.
Following send-off rites at Camp Crame on Tuesday, April 7, the personnel and vehicles will be formally turned over to the Presidential Security Command (PSC), integrating them into the overall security framework for the summit.
Acting PNP-HPG director Brig. Gen. Rommel Batangan personally inspected the readiness of the deployed personnel and assets during the ceremony.
He emphasized their role in ensuring the safe and orderly movement of ASEAN delegates and dignitaries.
“Our objectives are clear: zero incidents, seamless mobility, and national pride,” Batangan said.
“Your presence on the road must reflect order, safety, and excellence as you carry both the badge of the HPG and the flag of the Philippines.”
The deployment is part of a whole-of-government approach to security, with the HPG assisting in traffic management, route security, and overall mobility coordination in Cebu.
The contingent will remain in the province until May 10, ahead of the summit.
Amid disruptions to energy supplies and government resources, Cebu City will proceed with some ASEAN Summit-related activities through a scaled-down system.
“Yes, the summit will continue here, but not in the way it was originally planned. Only selected high-level meetings will be held,” Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival said, citing information from the Regional Development Council (RDC) meeting.
Malacañang and the Department of Foreign Affairs clarified that while over 650 preparatory and ministerial meetings will now be conducted virtually, leaders’ summits scheduled for May and November 2026 will remain physical events in the Philippines.
Archival acknowledged the economic impact of the adjustments, noting that hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops, and other businesses may see reduced activity.
Still, he said Cebu will continue to play a role in welcoming ASEAN partners.
Comments