Centralized command center activated as security forces gear up for ASEAN Summit

Local

CEBU stepped up preparations for the 48th ASEAN Summit as security forces and civilian agencies activated coordinated command systems across key operations.

Authorities also deployed thousands of personnel across strategic areas in the province ahead of the May 7–8 international gathering of leaders and delegates.

The government will have a centralized command center that will coordinate all participating agencies.

This allows real-time adjustments in preparation for the arrival of leaders and delegates starting May 5.

Police Regional Office-Center Visayas (PRO-7) spokesperson for ASEAN Police Col. Kim Molitas said the system allows flexible deployment based on emerging security needs while maintaining a high alert posture across forces.

“I will say that there’s 10,000 but they can be more or they can be less. At any rate, during that time we are on full alert which means that all the 200,000 police officers from across the countries," she said.

PRO-7 reported that the initial deployment includes more than 4,000 personnel from Central Visayas.

This is supported by units from the Bureau of Fire Protection, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Philippine Coast Guard, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and over 1,000 personnel from the Presidential Security Command.

Security officials placed operations under continuous regional preparation, with national headquarters set to declare formal full alert status.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines Visayas Command deployed more than 1,000 personnel, including covert units, medical teams, and disaster response forces.

Military units also coordinated with the Office of Civil Defense and the Philippine National Police to strengthen emergency preparedness and response operations.

AFP officials confirmed that troop deployment and asset positioning began months earlier, with strategic placement across Cebu and surrounding areas to support both overt security and rapid response operations.

The military said it remained fully prepared for the international event and emphasized readiness across all deployed units.

The Philippine Coast Guard raised maritime security alert levels along Mactan waters and enforced restricted zones, while the Presidential Security Command deployed air and naval assets to secure visiting dignitaries.

The Department of Health placed hospitals under Code Blue status from April 30 to May 12 and deployed around 400 health personnel, including augmentation teams from Metro Manila.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government directed local governments to secure tourist areas, manage convoy routes, and strengthen peace and order coordination.

The Department of Tourism confirmed that accredited hotels in Lapu-Lapu City prepared accommodations for delegates, while tourism offices coordinated island tours and cultural visits in Cebu and Bohol.

The Department of Trade and Industry set up plans to showcase local products and MSMEs through ASEAN pavilions and lounges, highlighting Cebu-made goods and enterprise initiatives.

Authorities reported no security threats at present and said intelligence coordination continues daily across national and regional agencies.(MyTVCebu)