Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday ensured its readiness for the upcoming ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, which the Philippines will host next month, amid adjustments in its scope and activities. PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said despite the recalibration of the Philippines' hosting of the event, including the scaling down of some activities, the PNP "will remain on heightened alert to ensure the security and safety of this year's summit."

According to Philippines News Agency, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. earlier said the summit would be scaled down amid the conflict in the Middle East that prompted the government to adopt a more focused format for the regional gathering. In the midst of these developments, Nartatez, in a statement, assured that security preparations remain on track.

He said coordination with partner agencies and local government units has also been intensified to ensure seamless operations before and during the summit. "Our personnel will continue to work with local government units and other agencies as the ASEAN Summit approaches," Nartatez said. "We want to assure our kababayan and foreign visitors and delegates that the safety of everyone remains our utmost priority."

The 48th ASEAN Leaders' Summit is set for May 8 to 9 in Cebu City, where heads of state from the 11 ASEAN member countries - Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam - are expected to convene. Meanwhile, the 49th ASEAN Leaders' Summit will be held later in the year, scheduled for Nov. 10 to 12 in Manila, at the newly renovated Philippine International Convention Center.