Cebu city: His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, has arrived in the Republic of the Philippines to participate in the 48th ASEAN Summit and Related Summit scheduled from May 7th to 8th, 2026. Before his departure from Istana Nurul Iman, a Doa Selamat was recited by Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr.) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned, the State Mufti.

According to Radio Television Brunei, members of the Royal Family, along with significant dignitaries including Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran-pengiran Cheteria, the Speaker of the Legislative Council, Cabinet Ministers, Members of the Privy Council, Deputy Ministers, the Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, and the Acting Commissioner of Police of the Royal Brunei Police Force, were present at His Majesty the Sultan's Flight Hangar in Rimba to bid farewell. The High Commissioner of Malaysia to Brunei Darussalam was also in attendance.

Upon his arrival at BGEN Benito Ebuen Air Base, Cebu, His Majesty was received by high-ranking officials from the Philippines. The Honorable Rexlon T. Gatchalian, Secretary of Social Welfare and Development, along with Ms. Pamela S. Baricuatro, Governor of Cebu, Ma. Cynthia Chan, Mayor of Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, Ms. Reichel Quinones, Philippines Presidential Chief of Protocol, and Mr. Renato N. Due±as Jr., Relations Officer, were present to welcome him. The Philippines, acting as the Chair of ASEAN this year under the theme 'Navigating Our Future, Together,' emphasizes its commitment to leading ASEAN with unity and purpose, aiming for a resilient and connected Southeast Asia focused on people-centered progress.