August 29, 2023
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos lauded the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the rest of the security forces for the peaceful conduct of the 19th FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 on Friday evening at Ciudad de Victoria, Philippine Arena, Bocaue, Bulacan.
“Binabati ko ang ating kapulisan at ang lahat ng mga security forces sa maayos at payapang pagbubukas ng FIBA World Cup 2023. Inaasahan ko na mananatili kayong nakatutok sa FIBA hanggang matapos ang mga laro at makaalis sa ating bansa ang pinakahuling atleta,” Abalos said.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led the Opening ceremonies followed by a photoshoot with Team Gilas Pilipinas and FIBA officials.
In a report to Abalos from the PNP, 2,589 officers from the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), 363 officers from Police Regional Office 3, and 2,904 personnel from other government agencies and force multipliers are deployed in critical areas around Metro Manila and Bulacan starting from the arrival of athletes on August 20 until the FIBA games end on September 10.
According to PNP data, 39,113 people were present during the FIBA opening ceremonies. Traffic condition was moderate with 195 buses and 750 cars recorded at the venue.
The DILG Chief assured that all billeting, game and practice venues including Araneta Coliseum, SM Mall of Asia Arena, Philippine Arena, Ultra, and Ninoy Aquino Stadium are fully covered. Security forces are likewise assigned to provide security, transportation or traffic management, and emergency preparedness and response for the athletes and spectators.
Aside from the PNP, other security personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Coast Guard, Red Cross, Department of Health, Department of Public Works and Highways, Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Bureau of Fire Protection, and other force multipliers were also deployed in strategic locations.
The President earlier issued Administrative Order No. 5 ordering the creation of an inter-agency task force to streamline all government efforts for a successful FIBA World Cup 2023.
Original Article at: https://dilg.gov.ph/news/Abalos-FIBA-opening-ceremonies-a-success-security-efforts-to-continue/NC-2023-1147