PNP braces for expected long weekend rush amid ASEAN Summit 2026

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The Philippine National Police (PNP) has intensified its security and public safety operations nationwide in light of the expected influx of travelers during the long weekend in Metro Manila amid the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits.

“Our commanders down to the station level were already tasked to strengthen police visibility and intensify patrol operations in major transport hubs, seaports, airports, bus terminals, highways, and tourist destinations,” PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement.

“We want every Filipino to enjoy the long weekend with the assurance that the PNP is present, prepared, and ready to respond to any security concern,” he added.

Authorities expect more Filipinos to travel to their hometowns and vacation destinations starting this weekend after Malacañang declared November 16 to 18 as special non-working days for ASEAN Summit 2026.

The expected influx of travelers comes after authorities recorded a decline in passengers at various ports during the observance of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day.

“They attributed the decrease to a short holiday and expressed belief that more Filipinos would choose to travel to their hometowns and other vacation sites starting this weekend due to the longer holiday break,” PNP said.

Meanwhile, government agencies have activated emergency response contingents for the ASEAN Summit.

The contingents consist of 774 personnel and 119 specialized assets, including ambulances, fire trucks, engineering equipment, transport vehicles, chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) units, tactical communications equipment, and Starlink satellite systems, according to PNP.

Nartatez reminded travelers to take precautions before leaving their homes, follow traffic and travel regulations, remain vigilant against criminal activities, and report suspicious incidents to the nearest police unit.

“We encourage everyone to make the most of the long weekend but never at the expense of safety and responsibility,” Nartatez said. —VAL, GMA News