Bohol mobilizes 1,717 security 

personnel for 2026 ASEAN Summit

By Elvira C. Bongosia

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol (PIA) — A total of 1,717 security personnel have been deployed for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit 2026 to be held in Bohol next week.

The contingent was formally blessed and sent off on January 14 at the Panglao Municipal Plaza.

The deployment includes personnel from the Philippine National Police (PNP) through the Bohol Police Provincial Office (BPPO), with support from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), and other force multipliers.

Security personnel will be assigned to round-the-clock operations across the province, supported by land and water assets to ensure rapid response, smooth movement, and effective coordination.

Assets deployed include patrol and high-speed response vessels, armored vehicles, fire trucks, ambulances, rescue vehicles, and other logistical transport units.

In his send-off message, BPPO Provincial Director Police Col. Patricio C. Degay Jr. emphasized the PNP’s commitment to “kinasing-kasing nga serbisyo,” or service from the heart.

He said the mission goes beyond traditional security functions, aiming to help create a safe, welcoming, and memorable environment for delegates and visitors.

“We will ensure ASEAN delegates and visitors [to] depart Bohol with a lasting positive impression-one that embodies the warmth of the Filipino people and reflects the shared values of ASEAN solidarity,” Degay said.

The PNP Bohol assured the public and international partners that all necessary security measures are in place to ensure the successful, secure, and meaningful conduct of the ASEAN Summit.

The Philippines is hosting the ASEAN Summit this year as part of its role to enhance regional cooperation among Southeast Asian nations.

The summit and related meetings bring together leaders and senior officials to discuss key issues, including regional stability, economic cooperation, and sustainable development.

This year, Bohol joins Manila, Cebu, Boracay, Laoag, Iloilo, Tagaytay, and Clark as host locations for various ASEAN meetings. (ECB/PIA7-Bohol)

Security personnel and operational assets take part in a joint blessing and send-off ceremony for the 2026 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit on Jan. 14 at the Panglao Municipal Plaza in Panglao, Bohol. The ceremony marked the start of the province’s preparations to ensure the safe and orderly conduct of the international meeting. (PNP-Bohol photo)