Philippine Navy to deploy vessels to secure 2026 ASEAN Summit

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The Philippine Navy will deploy majority of its vessels under the Naval Defense Command (NDC) to ensure maritime security during the upcoming ASEAN Summit, its spokesperson said Friday.

Navy spokesperson Captain Marrisa Martinez said the deployment would cover Manila Bay, its maritime approaches, and other strategically significant maritime areas.

"Almost all the ships of the Philippine Navy will be employed for this initiative or for this purpose, which is the ASEAN," Martinez told reporters in an ambush interview.

Among the naval assets to be deployed are the newly acquired offshore patrol vessels BRP Raja Sulaiman and BRP Raja Lakandula.

Martinez said priority patrol areas would include the sea approaches to Manila Bay.

The Navy will also deploy personnel from the Philippine Marine Corps, Naval Special Operations Command, Naval Special Warfare Force, as well as air capabilities.

Martinez assured the public that the ASEAN-related deployment would not affect the Navy's regular operations across the country.

She said vessels operating in the West Philippine Sea would continue their patrols and maritime domain awareness activities, particularly given the security situation in the area.

The Navy's security operations will also continue even after the summit concludes, potentially extending for a week or longer to ensure the safety of delegates who remain in the country, Martinez said. — RSJ, GMA News