PNP asks for proper public demonstrations ahead of ASEAN Summit 2026

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Members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police enforce strict security measures on the roads inside the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex leading to the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City on Saturday, November 16, 2026, where the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits are set to be held. DANNY PATA

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Saturday asked the public to practice their right to assembly in a responsible manner ahead of the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits in Pasay City.

World leaders have started arriving in the Philippines on Saturday for the international conference amid continuing protest actions condemning the scheduled arrival of US President Donal Trump.

Students from multiple universities conducted nationwide walkouts on Friday to slam Trump's visit and the controversial US-led Pax Silica initiative. Transport group PISTON will stage a transport strike on Monday, also denouncing Trump.

"May karapatan ang bawat Pilipino na magsalita at magpahayag ng kanilang saloobin. We respect that. Ang hinihiling lang natin ay maging maayos ang ating pagkilos at sundin ang mga itinakdang lugar at proseso. We can protect the right to express ourselves while making sure that the safety of everyone is not put at risk," PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement.

(Every Filipino has the right to speak and express themselves. We respect that. We just ask that the actions be proper and to comply with the designated locations and process. We can protect the right to express ourselves while making sure that the safety of everyone is not put at risk.)

The PNP said that although it respects the people's right to assemble, heightened security arrangements are in place for the event. The police urged protesters to make use of "freedom parks," as the Public Assembly Act of 1985 also mandated the need for permits to hold public assemblies.

Nartatez has directed police personnel to maintain a professional, courteous, and measured approach when dealing with protestors.

The PNP urged organizers to coordinate with local government units and police authorities ahead of their activities.

The 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits is set from November 16 to 18. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Timor-Leste Kay Rala Zanana Gusmao, and Brazilian President Lula da Silva are among the heads of state who have arrived for the summit. — VDV, GMA News