𝟰𝟴𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗡 𝗦𝗨𝗠𝗠𝗜𝗧
𝐂𝐄𝐁𝐔 𝐀𝐒𝐒𝐔𝐑𝐄𝐒 𝐅𝐔𝐋𝐋 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐀𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐍 𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐌𝐈𝐓 𝐈𝐍 𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐔𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐘, 𝐓𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐌, 𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐑𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐘 𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐏𝐎𝐍𝐒𝐄
Government agencies and security forces in Central Visayas assured full readiness for the 48th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings on May 7–8, 2026 during a press briefing held Tuesday, April 28 at the Cebu Provincial Capitol.
Heads of partner agencies and law enforcement units presented preparations on security, emergency response, transportation, tourism, health services, and logistics as Cebu prepares to welcome around 20,000 guests, including heads of state, delegates, and support teams.
Gov. Pamela Baricuatro, who heads the Cebu Provincial Organizing Committee (POC), has been calling for a series of briefings with participating agencies to ensure full preparedness for the gathering of heads of state from the 11 ASEAN member states—Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam—to discuss areas of cooperation and emerging regional issues.
Police Regional Office (PRO)-7 ASEAN spokesperson Police Colonel Kim Molitas said over 10,000 police personnel will be deployed for the summit, with convoy simulation runs already ongoing ahead of the delegates’ arrival starting May 5. Additional assets from the national headquarters have also been deployed to augment local operations.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines Visayas Command (VISCOM), represented by Lieutenant Colonel Israel Galorio and Colonel Joel Batara, announced the deployment of more than 1,000 military personnel for overt security operations and quick reaction response. Preparations began as early as the third quarter of 2025, with troops and armored assets strategically positioned across Cebu Province.
“We are more than ready for this activity,” VISCOM officials said, assuring the public of their capability to respond to any possible threats or contingencies.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) 7 said the agency will be on heightened alert from April 30 to May 10, with personnel deployed along Mactan shorelines. Notices to mariners identifying restricted maritime zones have also been issued.
The Presidential Security Command Task Force 7 likewise confirmed the deployment of air and naval assets, including fighter jets and other strategic equipment, for the security of visiting dignitaries. The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said it remains focused on emergency preparedness and disaster response during the summit period.
Meanwhile, the Department of Health Central Visayas Center for Health and Development (DOH) 7 has raised Code Blue alerts in public and private hospitals from April 30 to May 12. DOH 7 Regional Director Dr. Joshua Brillantes said around 400 medical personnel and emergency responders will be deployed in Cebu and Bohol, with augmentation teams from Metro Manila arriving by April 30.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-7 has directed local government units to strengthen security measures in tourist areas, clear convoy routes, and convene local peace and order councils for coordinated preparations.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-7 said evacuation centers and temporary shelters have already been prepared to ensure major routes remain clear during the summit. The Department of Energy (DOE) has also conducted inspections in summit venues, including the Mactan Newtown area, to ensure stable and secure power supply.
Department of Tourism (DOT)-7 Regional Director Gelena Asis-Dimpas said eight DOT-accredited billeting hotels, mostly in Lapu-Lapu City, are ready to accommodate delegates. Airport welcome lounges and ASEAN information desks will also be established with the assistance of student volunteers and partner academic institutions. Tourism packages, including island hopping tours and visits to Michelin-recognized restaurants, are likewise being prepared in partnership with tour operators and local tourism offices in Cebu and Bohol.
Meanwhile, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-7 said local entrepreneurs and MSMEs will be showcased through ASEAN lounges and entrepreneur pavilions featuring Cebu-made products, furniture, and delegate tokens.
Authorities also assured the public of stable supply availability, emergency response readiness, and contingency measures for possible power outages and natural disasters during the summit. /𝑪𝑨𝑷𝑰𝑻𝑶𝑳 𝑷𝑰𝑶, 𝑷𝒉𝒐𝒕𝒐𝒔 𝒃𝒚 𝑱𝒀𝑩
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