Over 3,600 Security Personnel to Guard Asean Defense Meeting in Lapu-Lapu

More than 3,600 police officers, military personnel and other government responders will be deployed to secure the 2026 Asean Defense Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) in Lapu-Lapu City from October 28 to 31.

A total of 3,670 personnel will be mobilized for the regional gathering, with a presentation of troops and logistical resources held during a send-off ceremony ahead of their scheduled deployment on Monday, October 26.

Data from the Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO 7) showed that the deployment will include 2,312 Philippine National Police personnel, 478 Bureau of Fire Protection personnel, 60 Philippine Coast Guard personnel, 341 Philippine Navy personnel and 214 Philippine Army personnel.

The contingent will also include 30 Bureau of Jail Management and Penology personnel, 155 Department of Health personnel and 80 Office of Civil Defense personnel.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Rolan Aliser, PRO 7 spokesperson, said security operations would continue until November 1, a day after the meeting is scheduled to conclude, to cover the delegates’ departure from Lapu-Lapu City.

“Ang activity man gud mo last pagka October 31, pero duna man tay mga post deployment pa ana mao nang moabot ta sa petsa 1 sa Nobiyembre in connection with the Asean,” Aliser said.

Security measures will extend beyond the hotels where the delegates will be staying. Authorities are also preparing for visits by some delegates to Cebu City on the final day of the meeting, with tighter security planned along their convoy routes.

Although PRO 7 and the Armed Forces of the Philippines have not received any threats, authorities have raised their alert status from normal to heightened alert.

Under the heightened alert, police personnel will not be permitted to take leave or be absent from duty. Intelligence monitoring has also been intensified as part of efforts to protect the delegates and ensure the event proceeds safely.

Authorities will likewise enforce strict security measures around the meeting venue. Progressive groups will not be allowed to approach the area to stage protest actions.

The deployment is part of the security preparations for the gathering of defense officials from Asean member countries, with personnel assigned to maintain security at the venue, along travel routes and during post-meeting movements.