Remulla to ASEAN security forces: Show how Filipinos care and protect

Members of a police anti-riot squad stand in formation during the send-off ceremony for troops ahead of the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Manila on November 11, 2026. Ted Aljibe, AFP 

MANILA — As the Philippines prepares to welcome world leaders for the 49th ASEAN Summit, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla challenged security personnel on Wednesday to show the world not only the country’s hospitality but also its capability to protect.

Speaking at the send-off ceremony for security at the Quirino Grandstand, Remulla said the upcoming summit presents two challenges for Filipino forces: to demonstrate the country’s caring culture while ensuring the safety of delegates and the public.

“Ang Pilipino ay maalagain… We care. Caregiving is one of our key virtues in our culture,” Remulla said.

“But also, we protect. We show what is best. So in this endeavor, you show both. You will show care, and you will show your protection.”

Remulla noted the government’s additional equipment for the security operations, including 550 new vehicles, 600 motorcycles, and 150 ambulances.

“In the next 72 hours, do your utmost. Follow your orders, obey your commands, be at your post, and be ready for any eventuality,” Remulla said. 

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is set to deploy nearly 20,000 personnel to secure summit venues, hotels, billeting areas, and routes that will be used by foreign delegates.

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) raised its alert level to full alert on Tuesday.

PNP chief PGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said preparations had been underway for almost a year, with two-thirds of the 639 planned activities already completed.

The main summit is expected to bring together 23 leaders, thousands of their staff members, and observers.

“Not only ASEAN will be watching over us, but also the entire world. Ngayon pa lang, nagko-congratulate na ako sa ating mga forces, security forces, who have drafted and played an important role in making this activity peaceful and we’ll make this activity peaceful,” Nartatez said. 

The PNP will work alongside the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Presidential Security Command, Bureau of Fire Protection, and other government agencies.

Undersecretary Nestor Sanares, chairperson of the Committee on Security, Peace, and Order and Emergency Preparedness and Response, said the send-off ceremony marks the full activation of personnel and resources from 24 national government agencies.

“Every patrol car, every maritime vessel, every medical unit, and every officer standing in this formation represents our nation’s solemn promise of safety, order, and genuine Filipino hospitality,” Sanares said.

Meanwhile, ASEAN 2026 National Organizing Council Director-General for Operations Usec. Helen Dela Vega said the country is 95 percent prepared for the summit, with contingency plans in place for unforeseen circumstances, including natural events.

“‘Yung 5 percent ay nire-reseve ko sa mga natural events that are beyond our control. Ngunit napaghandaan pa rin sa pamamaraan ng mga contingency plans,” Dela Vega said. 

“My deepest hope is that when we gather again, it will be to look back upon what we have accomplished together.“

The government aims to ensure a peaceful and orderly summit while keeping the public safe as the Philippines takes center stage in the regional gathering.