Philippine Arena (photo by Patrick Roque)
After dealing with various controversies recently, the 30th Southeast Asian Games is ready for its inaugural opening tomorrow according to Ramon ‘Tats’ Suzara chief operating officer of the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (Phisgoc).
“Everything is in place now…We are moving forward with the opening ceremony and the other first day competitions after the opening ceremony,” he said.
The biennial regional sports event will have its opening ceremonies at the 55,000-seater Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan. 10,000 athletes and delegates from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, Timor Leste, Singapore, Vietnam and the host country, the Philippines, will grace the occasion.
A full security deployment rehearsal of personnel from the Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRMMO), force multipliers and Ciudad de Victoria personal was held yesterday to ensure the safety and security of the competing players, delegates and sports fans.
Police Col. Chito Bersaluna, provincial director of the Bulacan Police Provincial Office and commander for Bulacan cluster of Task Group Central Luzon said a truck ban will be enforced to prevent traffic congestion in the towns of Marilao, Santa Maria and Bocaue. Point-to-point buses to the Philippine Arena will be made available.
Police and motorist assistance desks will be set up not only in points of entry and exit along North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and within the perimeter of the Philippine Arena but also in other strategic places.
Heightened police and security personnel visibility is assured until the event ends on December 11. (Jojo Mangahis)