AKLAN — With the Philippines set to host the ASEAN Senior Economic Officials Meeting (SEOM) Retreat 2026 in Boracay Island in Malay, Aklan from December 10 to 13, 2025, the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) has intensified its security preparations across the island through a wide range of coordinated, inter-agency measures.
Acting Chief PNP Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. and PRO-6 Regional Director PBGen. Josefino Ligan led the early rollout of security protocols, including contingency planning, simulation exercises, expanded surveillance systems, and the deployment of more than 2,100 security personnel to safeguard delegates, tourists, and residents.
Full-scale inter-agency coordination
On December 4, the ASEAN Site Task Group “Boracay” under PRO-6 conducted full-scale tabletop exercises and communication drills with national and local partner agencies. Officials from the Provincial Government of Aklan, the Department of Trade and Industry, the Philippine Army, Coast Guard, BFP, DOH, NICA, and several other members of the Committee on Security, Peace and Order, and Emergency Preparedness and Response were present.
Lt. Gen. Nartatez praised the unified effort and stressed the importance of early planning:
“Our priority is clear — we will create an environment where every delegate feels safe, secure, and well-supported. Simulations allow us to test our capabilities and ensure readiness for any scenario.”
Heightened surveillance: integration of private CCTVs
To strengthen real-time monitoring, PBGen. Ligan confirmed that the Aklan PNP has begun integrating private CCTV feeds from Boracay hotels, establishments, and event venues into the PNP’s central monitoring system.
Ligan emphasized that the expanded CCTV network will serve as the PNP’s “primary eyes” across the island’s shoreline and key areas. Although no threats have been detected, he said a unified surveillance system is crucial to maintaining situational awareness and quick incident response.
Deployment of over 2,100 security personnel
PRO-6 announced that more than 2,100 security forces — including 1,500 PNP personnel and hundreds of force multipliers from partner agencies — are now deployed throughout Boracay.
Checkpoints have been strengthened, police presence has increased in strategic zones, and intelligence units remain on heightened alert following a series of recent bomb threats in other areas of the region.
Ligan reiterated that despite the lack of confirmed threats, the heightened security posture is necessary to ensure seamless ASEAN activities:
“This deployment is part of our strengthened security plan to protect all delegates and tourists. We remain alert and ready with contingency measures for any situation,” he added.
Malay police on full alert
Moreover, the Malay Municipal Police Station has been placed on full alert ahead of the arrival of ASEAN delegates. Under the supervision of PLTCOL Alain Terence Licdan, the station conducted personnel accounting and deployment briefings to finalize assignments, protocols, and rules of engagement.
All police community precincts have also been ordered to ensure full attendance and strict compliance with operational directives. Licdan stressed that the security efforts aim to protect not only foreign delegates but also tourists and residents who depend on Boracay’s peak holiday tourism season.
Commitment to a safe and welcoming Boracay
Lt. Gen. Nartatez emphasized that the PNP’s mandate extends beyond visible security:
“Hindi lang pagbabantay ang trabaho natin. Visitors must feel safe and well cared for while the world is watching Boracay.”
PRO-6 affirmed that security plans will continue to be refined in partnership with government agencies, local stakeholders, and the Boracay community to ensure a smooth and secure hosting of the ASEAN SEOM Retreat.
As preparations intensify, authorities are urging the public to cooperate with heightened security protocols, noting that these measures are essential to the safety of all who live, work, and travel to the world-renowned island./PN
