Iloilo city: The ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Site Task Group (STG) Iloilo has officially deployed 1,707 personnel to ensure a successful and safe 49th Meeting of the High-Level Task Force on ASEAN Economic Integration, which will be hosted by this highly urbanized city next week.
According to Philippines News Agency, ASEAN STG Iloilo commander and Police Regional Office (PRO) 6 (Western Visayas) Director, Brig. Gen. Josefino Ligan, highlighted the significance of the responsibility shouldered by the security forces. "You stand at the front line of our nation's commitment, not only to regional cooperation, but to international stability and progress," he stated during the deployment ceremony. Ligan emphasized that this mission reflects the country's professionalism and credibility on the global stage, as the personnel work to create a secure environment for meaningful dialogue on policies and economic strategies.
The security forces deployed comprise 1,547 police personnel and 160 individuals from the Philippine Coast Guard, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and Bureau of Fire Protection. Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Tre±as, whose message was delivered by Councilor Sedfrey Cabaluna, expressed confidence in the city's preparedness. While the city is on high alert for the upcoming Iloilo Paraw Regatta Festival, efforts are also focused on ensuring the success of the ASEAN-related meetings that Iloilo City will host.
Mayor Tre±as stated that preparations have been thorough, involving planning, coordination, and system fine-tuning, instilling confidence in the city's readiness. She emphasized that Iloilo City is not just hosting as a local government but representing the Philippines on an international stage. As an emerging Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) destination, the city's ability to ensure safety and order will reflect its identity and reputation.
In a previous interview, Iloilo City Police Office officer-in-charge Col. Wilbert Parilla noted that delegates are expected to start arriving on Saturday and Sunday.
