ASEAN organizer appeals to rallyists: Better to stage protest after summit to show respect
Members of various people’s organizations and civil society groups chant “Trump Out Now!” as they mock a protester disguised as US President Donald Trump during a press conference at the UP College of Fine Arts in UP Diliman, Quezon City, on Wednesday, November 4, 2026. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN NewsMANILA — The ASEAN National Organizing Council is appealing to protesters who will stage demonstrations during the high-level meeting to conduct rallies after the summit to show respect to visitors.
The 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits will happen on November 15 – 17, 2026, where over 20 heads of states from Southeast Asia and dialogue partners from around the globe will converge in Manila.
ASEAN National Organizing Council Deputy Director General for Operation Retired Major General Potenciano Camba said they recognized protests as part of democracy but hopes rallyists will defer their demonstrations once the summit concludes. R
“Pakinggan natin ‘yung mga boses ng ating mga kababayan. Prepared naman diyan ang ating Philippine National Police, magaling nilang i-manage ‘yan,” Camba told state media PTV in a phone interview Monday, November 9.
“Pero kung mas maganda, sana, sa ating mga kababayan kung gawin na lang natin ‘yung protesta natin pagkatapos ng hosting natin kasi parang pangit naman na may bisita ka, dito ka ano [magpo-protesta] ‘di ba?” he added.
“Sana maintindihan ng ating mga kababayan na tayo ay may bisita. Parang sa household level kung may bisita ka, maghanda ka, respetuhin mo ‘yung bisita mo, ‘di ba?” Camba stated.
The official assured tight security protocols are already in place to ensure the safety of the delegates.
He also advised motorists to plan their trips ahead as several roads have been restricted to the public within the vicinity of the main venue, the Philippine International Convention Center.
On Monday, women’s group Gabriela staged a protest along Kalaw Avenue, stating that United States president Donald Trump is not welcome in the country.
Trump is one of the state leaders expected to attend the ASEAN Summit.
The Philippine National Police earlier said they will shift to full alert as part of the final security preparations for the summit.