PNP: No disruption in regular police ops amid ASEAN Summit
Members of women’s group Gabriela hold a protest near the US Embassy in Manila on November 9, 2026, days ahead of the scheduled visit of US President Donald Trump for the 49th ASEAN Summit. The group urged the Philippine government to oppose a US-led initiative to set up Pax Silica, a proposed innovation and manufacturing hub aimed at playing a key role in the production of semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals, fearing it would exploit the country’s land, energy, and mineral resources. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) is assuring the public that its regular operations will continue even as thousands of police personnel are mobilized for next week’s 49th ASEAN Summit.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said regional and local police commanders have been instructed to keep enough personnel in their respective areas to maintain police visibility, conduct crime prevention operations and respond to emergencies.
The assurance comes as the PNP ramps up security preparations for the regional gathering, with more than 19,000 police personnel deployed and over 3,000 personnel from other government agencies providing support.
Nartatez said the deployment should not affect the police force’s day-to-day responsibility of protecting communities across the country.
“Our commitment to securing the ASEAN Summit will not come at the expense of the safety and security of our communities,” Nartatez said in a statement.
“The PNP’s regular police operations, crime prevention efforts, and emergency response services remain fully operational while we fulfill our Summit security responsibilities,” he added.
He also underscored the need to sustain police presence as more Filipinos are expected to travel during the extended holiday break.
The National Capital Region Police Office, Police Regional Office 3 in Central Luzon, PRO-4A in Calabarzon, and all units based at Camp Crame have been placed under full alert from November 13 to 19.
This requires all personnel in these units to report for duty to ensure readiness for possible security requirements during the summit.
The PNP may extend the alert status if necessary.
Nartatez said the PNP must fulfill its summit security duties without compromising the safety of ordinary Filipinos.
“Public safety is a continuing responsibility, not an assignment that can be put on hold,” he stressed.