MANILA — Malacañang assured on Wednesday that preparations are “all systems go” as the Philippines gears up to host the ASEAN Summit in May and again in November.

The Palace made the announcement during a press briefing following extensive preparations and close coordination among various government agencies, particularly the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Acting PNP Chief Police Lt. General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said the summit has been in preparation for a year, particularly in coordinating with other government agencies such as the AFP and local government units. He also noted that no threats have been detected so far regarding the upcoming event.

“Sa katunayan, isang taon na tayo nagpe-prepare tungkol sa pag secure nitong activities ng ASEAN dito sa atin wherein ang bansa po natin ay ang host. So in coordination with other law enforcement agencies, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, at of course, nandyan din ang ating local government units, we are ready now to implement or go with our security operations for ASEAN,” Nartatez said.

“As of now, upon our coordination, hindi lang ang Philippine National Police, ulitin ko, other law enforcement units, even the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine Coast Guard, and our communities, wala tayong nakukuhang or nakalap na threats with regards to the conduct of ASEAN,” he added.

The PNP is also considering the implementation of special lanes, or ASEAN lanes, to further enhance security for participants, similar to arrangements in past summits.

AFP Deputy Chief of Staff Lt. General Rommel Roldan said at the briefing that the military is coordinating closely with the PNP to provide the necessary support for the summit’s security.

“Nabigyan na ng marching orders ang inyong kasundaluhan na ibigay ang kailangang suporta ng ating kapulisan as far as the security aspect of the ASEAN. activities for this year na tayo ang host, So meron nang koordinasyon sa PNP,” Roldan said.

The 48th ASEAN Leaders’ Summit will be held on May 8 and 9 in Cebu, bringing together leaders from all 11 ASEAN member states: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam.

Later in the year, the 49th ASEAN Leaders’ Summit is scheduled from November 10 to 12 in Manila at the newly renovated Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).

The ASEAN Summit is part of the Philippines’ year-long chairmanship of ASEAN, highlighting peace and security, economic growth, and people empowerment.