PNP boosts security ahead of Asean Summit, holiday travel rush

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) is stepping up security operations nationwide ahead of an expected influx of travelers during the extended holiday break, which coincides with the country’s hosting of the 49th Asean Summit.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. instructed all police regional offices to increase police visibility in anticipation of heavier passenger traffic from Nov. 14 to 18.

“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,” he said on Thursday.

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Authorities earlier reported fewer passengers at various ports during the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

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READ: Undas 2026: Passenger decline seen in ports across PH – PPA

More people are expected to travel to their hometowns and vacation destinations starting this weekend because of the extended holiday break, after Malacañang declared Nov. 16 to 18 as special non-working days.

“Even as we are occupied with security for the Asean Summit, our commitment to the safe travel of our fellow Filipinos remains steadfast,” Nartatez said.

The PNP chief said the measures aim to allow Filipinos to enjoy the long weekend while ensuring their safety throughout their trips.

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Meanwhile, government agencies have activated their emergency response contingents for the Asean Summit and Related Summits scheduled for Nov. 16 to 18.

The deployment consists of 774 personnel and 119 specialized assets, including ambulances, fire trucks, engineering equipment, transport vehicles, chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear units, tactical communications equipment, and Starlink satellite systems.

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Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, Nartatez, and Office of Civil Defense Administrator Undersecretary Harold Cabreros led the activation on Wednesday.

Nartatez urged travelers to secure their homes, follow traffic and travel regulations, remain vigilant against criminal activities, and promptly report suspicious incidents to the nearest police station.

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“We encourage everyone to make the most of the long weekend but never at the expense of safety and responsibility,” he said. /mcm