ILOILO City – Security forces are going on full alert.
More than 1,900 police personnel will be deployed across Iloilo City for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) ministerial-level meetings from February 25 to 27, with heightened inspections, possible gun ban enforcement, and class suspensions in selected areas forming part of an intensified security blanket.
The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) confirmed it is activating a citywide security plan to protect foreign delegates, national officials, and key installations as arrivals are expected as early as this weekend.
ICPO director Police Colonel Wilbert Parilla said the official send-off ceremony for deployed personnel was held on February 20, signaling the start of full security operations.
“As early as Saturday (February 21) or Sunday (February 22), we are expecting arrivals from participants and secretariats,” Parilla said.
A Multi-Agency Coordinating Center will also be activated to synchronize operations among law enforcement units, local government offices, and national agencies to ensure seamless coordination during the high-level regional gathering.
To reinforce manpower, the ICPO requested 197 additional personnel for augmentation, which were approved during the latest coordinating conference.
“In total, more than 1,900 personnel will be deployed for this event. We also requested augmentation forces, and that has already been approved,” Parilla confirmed.
Authorities have recommended the implementation of a gun ban throughout the duration of the meetings, pending approval from higher command, as part of preventive security measures.
Meanwhile, the city government has approved the suspension of face-to-face classes or the adoption of alternative learning modes in selected areas to reduce traffic congestion and ease mobility for delegates and security convoys.
“One of our requests to the mayor was the suspension of classes or alternative modes of learning to reduce traffic during the event. This was already approved during the last coordinating conference,” Parilla said.
Police assistance desks will be set up at identified meeting venues and major tourist destinations to assist both foreign delegates and the public.
“There will be police assistance desks in the identified venues and tourist areas. There will be no other major restrictions, but we will strictly implement security measures,” Parilla said.
Strict inspection protocols will also be enforced, including mandatory bag checks and screening procedures. Authorities warned that prohibited and suspicious items will be confiscated on sight.
“There will be strict policies in place. Bags and other materials will be checked, and any contraband will be confiscated,” Parilla added.
Parilla assured residents that while security visibility will be significantly increased, the police aim to keep public disruption to a minimum as Iloilo City hosts the ASEAN ministerial meetings under tight but orderly supervision./PN
