CEBU CITY, PHILIPPINES — A total of 66 families from a community near the Mactan Expo—one of the main venues of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Leaders’ Summit on May 7 and 8—have been temporarily relocated to a resort in Cordova since April 27.
Edgar Forrosuelo, president of the Lampara Urban Poor Association, told The Freeman in a phone interview that the relocation will last until May 9. Despite the move, Forrosuelo said residents have no complaints, noting that the government is covering all expenses during their stay. It was not immediately learned how much the government spent for the relocation, but resort accommodations range from around P1,600 to P5,500 per night.
Forrosuelo said families are well-provided for, with food and other necessities included.
“Wala may reklamo ang mga naa diri sa among sakop, nakabakasyon pa hinuon sila,” he said, describing the situation as akin to a vacation for residents.
The association leader also expressed understanding of the city government’s decision, citing the importance of hosting delegates from ASEAN member countries.
Each family received P2,000 in initial assistance upon relocation. In addition, the city government is conducting seminars and livelihood training sessions during their stay. Some residents, including Forrosuelo, have been participating in activities such as “shakoy” making.
The families are claimants to the land they occupy, which is also being contested by a private individual.
To secure the vacated area, personnel from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Presidential Security Command have been deployed to prevent unauthorized entry.
Forrosuelo said residents were informed that their community falls within the security perimeter of the Mactan Expo, located approximately 200 meters from their homes.
“Ari lang sa mi samtang di pa mahuman ang ASEAN,” he said.
He added that the temporary relocation was necessary, especially with anticipated security restrictions that could limit residents’ movement during the summit. At the resort, however, they are free to go as long as they present their security passes.
The relocation was carried out with assistance from both national and local government agencies, including the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the City Social Welfare and Development Office.
While in temporary housing, residents continue to receive support through skills training and livelihood programs. Forrosuelo emphasized that the families voluntarily cooperated with the relocation.
“Ang mga tao nakasabot man kaayo kay kinahanglan man kaayo og support para sa atong mga bisita,” he said.
He added that residents were not forced to leave but chose to support the initiative as their contribution to the international event.
The Freeman reached out to the Lapu-Lapu City Social Welfare and Development Office for comment, but it declined to issue a statement.
Meanwhile, PNP Chief PGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said no security threats have been monitored so far that could disrupt peace and order during the 48th ASEAN Leaders’ Summit.
Nartatez said the police force has been closely monitoring potential threats since last year. He identified three groups under watch—local terrorist groups, communist terrorist groups, and criminal gangs—but stressed that none currently pose a likely threat based on ongoing assessments.
“We don’t have any threats so far na nakita since the start of the preparation,” Nartatez told the media during his visit to Cebu on Saturday, May 2.
Nartatez led the formal deployment of more than 10,000 law enforcement personnel and logistical resources at the Liberty Shrine in Barangay Mactan, Lapu-Lapu City.
Asked if he was satisfied with the number of deployed personnel and resources, he said adjustments could be made if necessary.
“The security preparations and operations [are] a continuing one. Pagkanakita nating kulang and then we will deploy (more). Pagka nakita nating sobra, and then so be it,” he said.
He assured that round-the-clock security and law enforcement operations are in place to prevent any disruptions to the diplomatic gathering.
On possible protests by cause-oriented groups, Nartatez expressed confidence in Police Regional Office 7 (PRO-7) officer-in-charge PBGen. Arnold Abad, citing his experience as former director of the Manila Police District.
He noted that Abad is well-versed in managing public demonstrations, pointing out that at least three protest activities typically occur daily in Manila.
“If may mga protest na ganyan, nakahanda po ang mga pulis… They are prepared, makikita mo na may mga protective gears sila para maprotektahan yung sarili nila,” Nartatez said.
“Of course, maximum tolerance is ensured and guaranteed,” he added.
Despite the absence of direct threats, the PNP has enforced a total gun ban in Cebu starting yesterday, May 4, until May 11. Nartatez has temporarily suspended Permits to Carry Firearms Outside of Residence (PTCFOR) in Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, Cebu City, and across the Province of Cebu.
According to PRO-7, the suspension also covers transport permits for gun club members and permits for gun manufacturers, dealers, and repair services. It also includes permits to transport and purchase explosives and explosive ingredients.
Authorities have also ordered the temporary closure of firing and shooting ranges, along with the suspension of licenses to manufacture and sell firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices during the period.
Only members of the PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and other law enforcement agencies performing official duties and wearing prescribed uniforms are authorized to carry firearms.
PRO-7 also announced that simulation exercises (SIMEX) and convoy runs were conducted on May 4 as part of ongoing security preparations.
The public may expect increased police presence, temporary traffic disruptions, and controlled emergency simulations in selected areas.
PRO-7 appealed for public understanding and cooperation, particularly along routes and locations where convoy movements and drills are being conducted, stressing that these measures are necessary to ensure the readiness of security forces and the safety of all participants and the general public during the summit.
| Written by Kristin De Dios, Nicholas Jon Malaga & Shiela H. Agrabio
