Cebu:A total of 3,670 personnel from various government agencies have been mobilized for the 2026 ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) scheduled to take place in Cebu from October 28 to 31, as announced by the Philippine National Police (PNP).

According to Philippines News Agency, the Police Regional Office-Central Visayas (PRO-7) and other concerned units have been tasked with maintaining heightened readiness and strengthening intelligence monitoring throughout the multinational gathering. PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant despite the absence of identified threats, highlighting the PNP's preparedness through proactive security measures and strategic personnel deployment.

The deployment of police personnel will extend until November 1 to ensure the safety of delegates during their stay and upon their departure. Security coverage will include the conference venue, accommodation areas, convoy routes, and key locations in Cebu City that delegates are expected to visit. Nartatez also instructed units to promptly validate and address credible threat information in coordination with partner agencies.

PRO-7 has escalated its alert status from normal to heightened, even in the absence of monitored threats, implementing advanced inspections, traffic management, strategic deployment, and contingency planning for delegate movements. The ADMM is ASEAN's premier defense consultative and cooperative forum, where defense leaders from member-states convene to discuss regional security issues, defense cooperation, and emerging regional challenges.

"We assure all ASEAN delegates and the Filipino people that the PNP will uphold the highest standards of security and professionalism throughout ADMM 2026. Our commitment is to provide a safe, peaceful, and orderly environment that reflects the hospitality and readiness of the Philippines as host," Nartatez stated.