CEBU, PHILIPPINES — The Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO-7) has assured that all security preparations are in place for the arrival of at least 15 heads of state, including President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and related meetings on May 7 to 8.
Police Colonel Kimberly Molitas, spokesperson of the Task Group Central Visayas, said in a media interview on May 6 that all contingencies laid out by the Task Force on Security, led by Police Brigadier General Arnold Abad, acting regional director of PRO-7, have been finalized.
“Sigurado na po yung ating mga security forces sa siguridad na lahat ng darating. Of course, including our own President,” said Molitas.
She said PRO-7 has strengthened preparations to ensure that issues raised during rehearsals have been properly addressed through coordination among various agencies.
So far, authorities noted that Cebu’s hosting of the ASEAN Summit has remained peaceful.
“Cebu has been always known to be very peaceful sa lahat ng events na na-host ng Cebu. Historically, we have not had any problems,” the police spokesperson said.
Molitas added that authorities are determined to maintain this record, especially with the presence of visiting heads of state.
TEMPORARY LOCKDOWNS EXPLAINED
Meanwhile, Molitas said that temporary road lockdowns are being implemented to shorten the travel time of convoy movements.
She said each head of state is assigned a specific convoy package based on their security requirements and the overall police plan.
“So kailangan we merge with all the preparations also by the own security team of all the Head of States,” she explained.
She emphasized that the event serves not only as a showcase of the Philippines but also of the participating countries, including their practices, culture, and preparations.
With this, she said that all visiting leaders have their own security arrangements, which are being integrated with Philippine protocols.
“That’s why yung ating stop and go, yung ating lockdown, is to make sure that we use the route the shortest possible time,” said Molitas.
She added that recent lockdowns were part of convoy dry runs to determine travel times for each delegation.
Authorities estimate that road closures may last between 10 to 15 minutes, ensuring minimal disruption while maintaining security.
“Of course, we also would like to request and seek the cooperation of the public at large na tulungan tayo na maipatupad yung ating timeline,” she said.
Molitas also said that, in coordination with the Presidential Security Command (PSC), efforts are being made to ensure smooth and continuous movement of all visiting leaders.
“So kailangan po na masigurado natin na fluid yung kanilang pagdaan at pagbaba doon sa ating venues,” she said.
She noted that the declaration of a special non-working holiday until May 8 has significantly improved traffic flow along key routes.
SECURITY MEASURES ALL OVER CV
Security measures are not limited to Lapu-Lapu City but cover the entire Central Visayas, as authorities expect delegates to visit tourist destinations.
Based on their past experience, the delegates have visited other places in Cebu such as Oslob and the neighboring island, Bohol.
The police spokesperson said the Department of Tourism (DOT) has committed that they are prepared to accommodate requests from delegates wishing to explore these areas.
Molitas added that covert operatives have been deployed, and a monitoring system is in place to track delegates for security purposes.
Philippine National Police Chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has also directed that all possible destinations of delegates be secured.
REROUTING
Meanwhile, the Mandaue City government called on the public to help maintain peace and order during the ASEAN Summit.
Authorities said traffic management efforts have been intensified, particularly along the boundary roads between cities leading to the Osmeña Bridge and Marcelo Fernan Bridge, which serve as key routes for delegates and visitors attending the event.
Traffic advisories were issued for motorists using these routes. For Osmeña Bridge, drivers are advised to take A.C. Cortes Avenue, turn left to D.M. Cortes Street, then right to A. Soriano Avenue, and proceed straight to Ouano Avenue. For Marcelo Fernan Bridge, motorists from U.N. Avenue should turn left to D.M. Cortes, then right to A. Soriano, and continue to Ouano Avenue.
In Lapu-Lapu, the city police urged the public to keep major thoroughfares and designated routes free from obstruction, warning that illegally parked vehicles, roadside vending, construction materials, and other unauthorized structures could be removed and penalized.
For concerns, authorities said individuals can report road obstructions to the nearest police station or through the 911 emergency hotline.
GUN BAN
Meanwhile, at least six individuals were arrested after nine firearms were seized during the implementation of the gun ban that began on May 4 in line with the heightened security measures for the ASEAN Summit.
PRO-7 reported that of the firearms recovered, at least three were voluntarily surrendered, five were recovered during police response operations, and one was confiscated during a buy-bust operation.
Molitas reminded the public that the implementation of the gun ban is an important step to ensure maximum security.
She said that the strict enforcement will remain until May 10.
“Ipagbawal muna natin ang private individuals na magdala ng baril to make sure and to contribute to the security preparations done by the uniformed services,” she said.
“This is not to curtail their privilege but to give due respect sa ating preparations,” she added.
Molitas appealed for the cooperation of gun enthusiasts and owners to ensure that they do not carry their guns. She stressed that anyone who violates the gun ban will be arrested and face appropriate charges.
| Written by Kristin de Dios, Shiela Mae Agrabio, and Nicholas Jon Malaga/MRM
