THE Philippine National Police (PNP) is ramping up security preparations for Asean Summit 2026, which the country is hosting this year.
The preparations include the deployment of over 2,000 police personnel to Bohol, where several Asean-related conferences are scheduled this month.
Other events will be held during the year in Manila, Cebu, Boracay, Laoag, Iloilo, Tagaytay and Clark.
The Central Visayas Police Regional Office also launched the Bohol Tourist Police Unit’s R.I.D.E. Patrol on Jan. 12. 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.
Police forces in the region have also stepped up patrols in tourism and coastal areas.
Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said preparations for the summit go beyond num-bers and visibility. “It’s about being prepared, alert and synchronized with all our partners. We want to introduce the Philippines as a ready, professional and reliable country that can assure security for our visitors,” Nartatez said.
The PNP has also strengthened tourism-oriented policing, fielding specially trained personnel capable of responding to emergencies while maintaining a reassuring and welcoming presence for both local communities and foreign visitors.
The PNP assured that security preparations will continue to be refined in the months leading up to the summit, with continuous assessments, drills and community engagement activities.
