As per reports, the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and related summits formally commenced in Manila on Sunday (15 November), with the Philippine International Convention Centre (PICC) in Pasay City serving as the primary venue. The summit is scheduled to continue until Wednesday (18 November), with US President Donald Trump expected to attend engagements on Tuesday (17 November).
Ministerial meetings are scheduled for Saturday (14 November), followed by related leaders’ summits on Monday and Tuesday (16–17 November). Metro Manila will observe special non-working days from Monday to Wednesday (16–18 November). Following are the latest developments:
• Members of the All Workers Unity alliance, including Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) and other progressive organisations, gathered at Liwasang Bonifacio and attempted to march towards the PICC. Police blocked the demonstrators along Padre Burgos Avenue, resulting in clashes and the arrest of at least five protesters; two people were also reportedly injured.
• At approximately 1100 hours (local time), tensions reportedly resurfaced when police attempted to seize a vehicle used by the demonstrators at Liwasang Bonifacio. A further physical confrontation occurred before police eventually took possession of the vehicle.
• BAYAN (Bagong Alyansang Makabayan), a progressive alliance representing various sectoral organisations in the Philippines, has announced protests opposing Trump’s visit and the proposed Pax Silica initiative, citing concerns over national sovereignty, foreign influence and the interests of local communities. Planned demonstrations include a march from Liwasang Bonifacio to the US Embassy on Monday (16 November), protest activity near the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) on Tuesday (17 November), and rallies near Mendiola Peace Arch on Wednesday (18 November).
• Youth Against Pax Silica (YAPAX) has announced further demonstrations during the summit period, opposing the proposed Pax Silica initiative and citing concerns over Philippine sovereignty, natural resources and indigenous communities. Specific assembly locations and timings in Metro Manila have not been independently confirmed.
• Transport group PISTON has announced a two-day transport strike on Monday (16 November) and Tuesday (17 November), opposing Trump’s visit and the proposed Pax Silica initiative. Specific participating routes and assembly points have not been confirmed, although major jeepney routes and transport hubs across Metro Manila may experience disruption.
• More than 20,000 Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel have been deployed to secure summit venues, accommodation facilities, convoy routes and other key locations. Police units in Metro Manila, Central Luzon and Calabarzon have been placed on heightened alert, with additional personnel and crowd-control teams deployed.
• Access restrictions are in effect on Atang Dela Rama Street, Vicente Sotto Street, Pedro Bukaneg Street and Magdalena Jalandoni Street around the PICC–Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Complex. Only authorised personnel and vehicles displaying valid ASEAN accreditation stickers are permitted entry.
• The security exclusion zone along Roxas Boulevard, between President Quirino Avenue and Gil Puyat (Buendia) Avenue, is in effect from Sunday (15 November) until Wednesday (18 November). Motorists have been advised to use alternative routes, including Taft Avenue and Osmeña Highway.
• Two lanes along EDSA, between Ayala Avenue and Roxas Boulevard, have been designated for official ASEAN convoys. Temporary traffic holds are also expected along EDSA, Roxas Boulevard and Macapagal Boulevard during the movement of visiting leaders and official delegations.
• The vehicle number-coding scheme will be suspended across Metro Manila from Monday (16 November) to Wednesday (18 November). The suspension coincides with the special non-working days declared for the summit.
• Heightened security measures are being implemented at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) during the summit period. Flight cancellations and schedule adjustments have also been announced for several domestic and international services, potentially affecting passenger movement.
• Maritime authorities have introduced heightened monitoring and temporary restrictions on certain marine activities around Pasay City, Manila and Parañaque City. Designated truck routes have also been prescribed for cargo vehicles travelling to and from Manila’s North and South Harbors during the summit period.
Categories: Travel Risks - Other
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