ASEAN safety, security protocols ready for Senior Level Committee Meetings in Boracay

By Sheila Patoza

KALIBO, Aklan (PIA) — A total of 1,900 security personnel have been deployed to Boracay Island on March 2, to ensure the safety of delegates attending the upcoming Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meetings, as well as local and foreign tourists and residents of Malay town.

Police Captain Aubrey Ayon, Chief Public Information Officer of the Aklan Police Provincial Office (APPO), said the deployment includes personnel from the Philippine National Police, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).

“This does not yet include our emergency response contingents. These are strictly security forces from the PNP, AFP, BFP, and Coast Guard,” Ayon noted, adding that personnel came from municipal police stations across Aklan and other provinces.

Malay Mayor Frolibar S. Bautista highlighted the importance of discipline, cooperation, and strong inter-agency teamwork to ensure the municipality remains a safe, organized, and resilient host.

Office of Civil Defense VI Regional Director Raul Fernandez emphasized proactive disaster risk reduction and synchronized response efforts, emphasizing that preparedness and swift coordination are key to effectively managing large-scale events.

As part of preparations for the ASEAN Senior Level Committee on Financial Integration and other ministerial meetings scheduled from March 5 to 8, APPO and the Security Task Group (STG) conducted an accounting and pre-deployment briefing at the Caticlan Covered Court in Malay.

PLTCOL Idel Hermoso, Deputy Commander of SSTG Peace and Order, outlined duty protocols and guidelines. At the same time, SSTG commanders led briefings on operational procedures, security measures, emergency response, uniform standards, proper attire (“Tamang Bihis”), and vigilance.

As part of the security preparations, the Philippine National Police temporarily suspended the Permit to Carry Firearms Outside of Residence (PTCFOR) on Boracay Island from 12:01 a.m. on February 28 to 11:59 p.m. on March 8, 2026.

Only uniformed personnel of the PNP, AFP, and other law enforcement agencies performing official duties are authorized to carry firearms during this period.

APPO Provincial Director Arnel Ramos calls on the personnel to work professionally, in unity, and with passion, emphasizing a whole-of-government approach and multi-agency collaboration.

Authorities added that while no specific threats have been detected, security forces will remain on full alert throughout the ASEAN meetings. (SQP/PIA-Aklan)