ILOILO CITY: A total of 1,707 security personnel have been deployed in Western Visayas as Iloilo City hosts the 49th Meeting of the High-Level Task Force on Asean Economic Integration from Feb. 25 to 27.
Police Regional Office 6 (PRO6), led by Police Brig Gen Josefino D. Ligan, regional director and Asean Site Task Group (STG) Iloilo commander, formally sent off the troops during a ceremony and blessing held Feb 20 at the PRO6 Grandstand in Camp Gen. Martin Teofilo B. Delgado, Fort San Pedro.
Of the total deployment, 1,547 personnel are from PRO6, while 160 augmentation forces came from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine Coast Guard, and the Air Defense units.
The high-level Asean meeting, held at a hotel in Iloilo City, gathers regional policymakers to discuss economic integration initiatives.
City officials earlier suspended in-person classes from Feb 25 to 27 upon the recommendation of the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) to ease traffic congestion and ensure security during the international event.
Representing Mayor Raisa Treñas during the send-off ceremony was City Councilor and lawyer Sedfrey Cabaluna, who assured the city government’s full support.
“Iloilo City is in capable hands. We remain fully committed to ensuring that Asean-related events will be peaceful, orderly, and well-managed,” Cabaluna said, thanking police officers, soldiers, and force multipliers for their service.
Ligan expressed confidence in the deployed personnel, citing their dedication and professionalism in carrying out security responsibilities.
Authorities said security preparations include thorough planning, intelligence monitoring, and close coordination with local government units and partner agencies.
On Tuesday, the ICPO also held a coordination briefing with Undersecretary Ignacio N. Madriaga, vice chairperson of the concerned national committee, to ensure inter-agency readiness and smooth operations throughout the meeting.
Police Assistance Desks (PADs) have been strategically set up across the city to provide immediate assistance, emergency response, and public safety information to delegates, residents, and visitors.
In the lead-up to the event, the ICPO, together with the Department of the Interior and Local Government, conducted community engagement activities in Barangays Q. Abeto, Airport, and Katilingban to strengthen public awareness and cooperation.
Meanwhile, the Commission on Elections’ gun ban under the Police Task Force on Civil Disturbance remains in effect from Feb 20 to March 1. Only authorized personnel from the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and other law enforcement agencies on official duty and in proper uniform are allowed to carry firearms within Iloilo City.
Authorities urged the public to cooperate with security measures as Iloilo City hosts one of the region’s key Asean preparatory meetings. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
