The Philippine National Police (PNP) announced that it would deploy 27,440 law enforcers to tighten the security in the upcoming Philippines SEA games 2019.
The Philippines will host the 30th Southeast Asia (SEA) Games from November 30 to December 11, 2019.
“Ahead of the 30th Southeast Asian Games, we are putting our best foot forward for the regional sporting event among our ASEAN neighbors. We have started preparations since last year,” PNP acting chief Lt. Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa said on Monday.
Gamboa said different government agencies sent a total of 20,000 personnel to help the PNP in securing the SEA Games 2019.
“We continue to rehearse and fine-tune all our systems and procedures for this event, such that we have established a full back-up system that address any unforeseen situation that may arise,” Gamboa added.
18,105 policemen will secure Metro Manila, while 6,554 will be deployed in Central Luzon, 1,865 in Southern Luzon, and 916 in La Union.
Law enforcers would also be sent in New Clark City, Metro Manila, Laguna, Tagaytay, Subic, and Bulacan game venues.
No terrorist attack for Philippines SEA games 2019
Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said that it was unlikely that a terrorist attack would occur during the event.
Read: 2 suspected ISIS members planning to terrorize SEA games arrested
“Although we do not see the likelihood [of threats during SEA Games], it’s better to be prepared,” Lorenzana said.
Armed Forces of the Philippines led by its chief of staff, Gen. Noel Clement, sent 127 soldier-athletes and coaches for the SEA Games.
“We have all been tirelessly working for this momentous event. We are able to lay down the joint operational guidelines for our troops who will be deployed,” Clement said.
“Similarly, our soldiers have relentlessly trained for their various events. These are clear indications of our strong will and desire for safe and successful conduct of the games,” he added.
The SEA Games’ opening ceremony will be on November 30 at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan while the closing is on December 11 in New Clark City, Pampanga.