19/02/2026
PNPโS ALL-OUT SECURITY PREPARATIONS ENSURE SAFE HOSTING OF ASEAN SUMMIT 2026
With the eyes of Southeast Asia set to turn toward the Philippines, the Philippine National Police (PNP), under the leadership of Acting Chief of the PNP, PLTGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., has moved into high gear, rolling out heightened security preparations nationwide to ensure a safe, orderly, and successful hosting of the ASEAN Summit 2026, with Central Visayas taking a central role in the comprehensive security plan.
More than 2,000 security personnel were formally sent off during a Send-Off Ceremony held at the Panglao Town Plaza, Poblacion, Panglao, Bohol, on January 14, 2026. The event underscored the full operational readiness of Boholโs security forces, signaling that local and regional units are prepared to secure the island province ahead of the international gathering.
In a parallel initiative to safeguard tourism, the Police Regional Office 7 (PRO7) launched the Bohol Tourist Police Unitโs (BTPU) R.I.D.E. Patrol on January 12, 2026. Composed of 88 specially trained Tourist Police officers deployed across Bohol, the unit is equipped to respond swiftly to emergencies, ensuring the safety of tourists and residents alike.
Acting Chief of the PNP, PLTGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., underscored that preparations for the summit go beyond numbers and visibility, emphasizing discipline, coordination, and readiness at all levels.
โAng paghahanda natin para sa ASEAN Summit ay hindi lang tungkol sa dami ng pulis sa lansangan. Itโs about being prepared, alert, and synchronized with all our partners. Gusto nating ipakita na ang Pilipinas ay handaโpropesyonal, maaasahan, at kayang magbigay ng ligtas na kapaligiran para sa ating mga bisita,โ PLTGEN Nartatez said.
In Central Visayas, police forces have ramped up patrol operations in tourism and coastal areas, supported by specialized units trained for rapid response, crowd management, maritime security, and emergency situations. Mobility assets on land and water are being maximized to ensure swift action, especially in areas with high tourist traffic and challenging terrain.
The PNP has also strengthened its tourism-oriented policing, deploying specially trained personnel capable of responding to emergencies while maintaining a reassuring and welcoming presence for both local communities and foreign visitors. These measures are designed to deter crime, respond quickly to incidents, and maintain public confidence as international attention turns to the Philippines.
According to PLTGEN Nartatez, collaboration remains a key pillar of the security plan. โMalaking bagay ang pagtutulunganโPNP, AFP, PCG, BFP, local governments, at iba pang force multipliers. Kapag iisa ang direksyon at malinaw ang koordinasyon, mas nagiging epektibo ang ating pagbabantay at mas nararamdaman ng publiko ang seguridad,โ he added.
The PNP assured the public that security preparations will continue to be refined in the months leading up to the summit, with continuous assessments, drills, and community engagement activities to ensure that safety measures remain adaptive and responsive to emerging challenges.
As the Philippines prepares to welcome ASEAN leaders and delegates in 2026, the PNP remains committed to upholding peace, order, and public safetyโguided by the principle of Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman.