PNP ramps up security preps for 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu

By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan, Philippine News Agency

SECURITY PREPS. Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) acting director Brig. Gen. Rommel Batangan inspects personnel and mobility assets at Camp Crame on Tuesday (March 31, 2026) ahead of their deployment to Cebu for the 48th ASEAN Leaders’ Summit and Related Summits in May. He said 170 HPG personnel will be turned over to the Presidential Security Command before deployment. (PNA photo by Lloyd Caliwan)

MANILA – The Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) has ramped up security preparations for the ASEAN 2026 events through inspections and deployment of personnel and vehicles at Camp Crame.

PNP-HPG acting director Brig. Gen. Rommel Batangan personally led the inspection on Tuesday, ensuring that both personnel and equipment are ready for deployment to Cebu, host of the 48th ASEAN Leaders’ Summit and Related Summits on May 8 and 9.

“Ang mga driver, we will ensure na naka-ready sila physically. Hindi puwede puyat, hindi rin puwedeng maysakit. As well as ‘yung mga sasakyan natin na gagamitin hindi tayo puwedeng mapahiya kaya we are ensuring na roadworthy ang mga sasakyan (We will ensure that our drivers are physically ready, that they are neither sleep deprived nor sick. We are also ensuring that our vehicles are roadworthy),” Batangan told reporters in an interview.

The inspection reviewed personnel readiness, equipment functionality, and operational coordination to ensure seamless security operations for national and international stakeholders.

Batangan said 170 HPG personnel — 108 riders, 38 drivers, and 24 crew members — will be deployed. They will be turned over to the Presidential Security Command before deployment and remain in Cebu until May 10.

He added that 108 motorcycles and 38 service vehicles will also be deployed to ensure efficient mobility, traffic control, and escort operations throughout the event.

“The Highway Patrol Group remains fully committed to ensuring the safety and security of ASEAN delegates and the public,” Batangan said.

“Through thorough preparation, discipline, and coordination, we will deliver efficient traffic management and security support for this significant international event.”