SUMMIT SECURITY: Classes suspended, gun ban enforced for ASEAN meet

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor and Jennifer P. Rendon

Face-to-face classes at all levels in Iloilo City, both public and private, will be suspended from Feb. 25 to 27 as the city prepares to host the 49th Meeting of the High-Level Task Force on ASEAN Economic Integration (HLTF-EI), a gathering of senior economic officials from ASEAN member states.

City Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu confirmed the suspension on Friday, Feb. 20, following the recommendation of the Iloilo City Police Office.

“This proactive measure is intended to help ease traffic congestion and ensure the safety and security of delegates, residents, and our students during this high-level international gathering,” she said.

Treñas-Chu urged school administrators to temporarily shift to online or alternative learning modalities to ensure that students’ education continues uninterrupted.

The HLTF-EI serves as the advisory body of ASEAN Economic Ministers and the ASEAN Economic Community Council. The Iloilo City meeting is the second since the adoption of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 in May 2025 and the new ASEAN Economic Community Strategic Plan 2026-2030 in October 2024.

Among the topics to be discussed during the high-level meeting are strategies to chart the region’s economic direction amid growing global uncertainties, focusing on trade, resilience and future growth.

The Police Regional Office (PRO) 6 also announced the enforcement of a 10-day gun ban across Iloilo City as part of security preparations. The temporary suspension of the Permit to Carry Firearms Outside of Residence (PTCFOR) runs from 12:01 a.m. of Feb. 20 until 11:59 p.m. of March 1.

Only members of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and other law enforcement agencies performing official duties and wearing agency-prescribed uniforms are authorized to carry firearms during the period.

“We seek the public’s understanding and cooperation as we work together to make ASEAN 2026 safe and secure,” PRO-6 said in an advisory.

The PTCFOR suspension will also be enforced in Boracay, Malay, Aklan, on Feb. 28 to March 8, March 21 to 28, Sept. 17 to 27, and Nov. 14 to 22 for other ASEAN-related events.

As part of security preparations, a total of 1,707 police and security personnel were officially deployed following a send-off ceremony on Feb. 20 at the PRO-6 headquarters at Camp Martin Delgado, Iloilo City.

The deployment comprised 1,547 police personnel and 160 members from the AFP, Philippine Coast Guard and Bureau of Fire Protection. Of the police contingent, 477 are augmentation forces from the Iloilo Police Provincial Office, Capiz PPO, Guimaras PPO and Antique PPO.

The personnel will be deployed before, during and after the HLTF-EI meeting from Feb. 24 to 27.

Meanwhile, the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council in Western Visayas placed its Operations Center under red alert starting Feb. 22 to ensure continuous monitoring and preparedness.

In case of emergencies, suspicious activities or imminent threats to safety, the public may report to the nearest police station, dial 911, or contact the following PNP hotlines: PRO-6 Regional Hotline, 0998-598-6101; Iloilo City Police Office, 0908-377-0194; and Iloilo Police Provincial Office, 0999-529-8131.

The Philippines holds the ASEAN chairmanship in 2026 and is hosting more than 650 meetings and events nationwide throughout the year. The HLTF-EI is among the key economic track meetings under the chairmanship, with Iloilo City serving as one of the regional host venues outside Metro Manila.