More than 1,500 police personnel have been deployed to secure the country’s hosting of the 44th ASEAN Chiefs of National Police (ASEANAPOL) Conference, the Philippine National Police said Monday.

According to a report by RH Edniel Parrosa, the deployment comes after a rally by the United People’s Initiative on Sunday and ahead of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), as the PNP shifts its focus to the regional gathering set to begin July 22.

A total of 1,569 personnel from national support units and partner agencies have been mobilized, backed by 282 mobility assets and more than 3,000 communication equipment, authorities said.

Speaking during a flag-raising ceremony at Camp Crame, PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. reminded officers to uphold professionalism during the event.

“This gathering reflects the confidence of our ASEAN partners in the capability of the PNP. Let us ensure that every delegate experiences not only our professionalism and operational readiness, but also the warmth and hospitality for which Filipinos are known,” Nartatez said.

At least 186 delegates are expected to attend the five-day conference, which aims to strengthen regional cooperation in addressing transnational crime, terrorism, cybercrime, human trafficking and other emerging threats.