Security grids expanded across Cebu as preparations intensified for the ASEAN Leaders’ Summit 2026, with authorities planning to deploy about 10,000 personnel to secure visiting heads of state and delegates in May.
Police Colonel Kim Molitas, spokesperson for Police Regional Office-7 (PRO-7) for ASEAN, said the figure remains fluid depending on intelligence updates and operational needs as the summit draws closer.
“As mentioned earlier, the security preparations are very liquid. I will say that there’s 10,000, but they can be more or they can be less,” Molitas said.
Authorities said the deployment will come from multiple agencies, underscoring the scale of coordination required for the international event. More than 4,000 personnel will be assigned from Central Visayas, while reinforcements will come from national units, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Bureau of Fire Protection, and Philippine Coast Guard.
The Presidential Security Command is also expected to deploy over 1,000 personnel focused on securing visiting heads of state and their immediate surroundings.
“We are tasked to give complete security to every head of state… we are in the immediate and most proximate circle,” said Engelberto Jr., chief of Task Force 7.
Officials have established a centralized command center to coordinate all security operations, allowing real-time communication and rapid adjustments among agencies.
“Our national organizing committee, the PNP and the Armed Forces have already approved a command center that will be utilized by all our agencies so that we have one center… and make sure to adjust if there’s any need,” Molitas said.
Security officials said no specific threats have been detected so far, although intelligence monitoring continues daily through joint assessments.
“We’re very happy also to announce that there’s no threat assessed… there is a continuous joint intelligence workshop and assessment day-by-day,” Molitas added.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines will support police operations with more than 1,000 personnel, including rapid response teams, medical units, and specialized forces deployed across key areas in Cebu.
AFP Colonel Joel Benedict Batara said military preparations began last year and remain on track.
“The AFP is more than ready for this activity. I’m very much confident because of the deployment of the units,” Batara said.
He said the military will deploy a multi-domain approach involving land, air, naval, and cyber capabilities to address both conventional and emerging security concerns.
The Philippine Coast Guard will enforce maritime restrictions around Mactan and nearby waters, including controlled vessel movement during the summit period.
Authorities are also running convoy simulations and route testing to manage traffic flow and ensure efficient transport for delegates across Cebu.
Officials said mitigation measures are in place to reduce disruption to daily activities in affected areas.
“We want to make sure that we lessen any disruption with the normal life of our kababayan here in Cebu,” Molitas said.
With an estimated 20,000 participants expected, officials stressed that security for the summit will rely not only on uniformed forces but also public cooperation.
“We still believe that security is a shared responsibility,” Batara said. (SBA)
Photo courtesy of Cebu Province
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