With Central Luzon set to take center stage in an international diplomacy gathering next year, the Police Regional Office (PRO) 3 (Central Luzon) has begun laying the groundwork to ensure the safety and success of the 2026 ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Senior Officials Meeting on Social Welfare Development.

On Saturday, PRO-3 Director, Brig. Gen. Ponce Rogelio Peñones Jr., led an initial security inspection at the Royce Hotel, the gathering’s official venue within the Clark Freeport Zone, marking the start of comprehensive security planning, more than a year ahead of the high-level gathering.

Peñones personally evaluated the hotel’s infrastructure, identified key access points, and coordinated with hotel management and security partners to discuss protocols.

“This early assessment allows us to detect and address any vulnerabilities long before the event. Security for international summits must be both precise and proactive,” he said.

The ASEAN meeting is expected to bring together senior representatives of member states to address regional social welfare policies and cooperative frameworks.

In April, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ordered the creation of a national organizing council for the country’s hosting of the ASEAN Summit meetings next year.

In his Administrative Order 17, Marcos said, “It is imperative to constitute a National Organizing Council to organize, manage, and supervise all major and ancillary programs, activities, and projects related to the hosting of ASEAN 2026 in the country.”

Recognizing the significance of the gathering, the PNP is coordinating closely with national government agencies, local authorities, and ASEAN organizers to ensure the Philippines’ credibility as a reliable and secure host. (PNA)