The Manila Times

Over 2K policemen mobilized to secure Palaro, NSPC, NFT

CEBU CITY — The Police Regional Office-Region 7 (PRO 7) has mobilized over 2,000 policemen to ensure the safety and security of the Palarong Pambansa, which the city is hosting next month.

Police Lt. Col. Gerard Ace Pelare, spokesman for PRO 7, said in a news forum on Tuesday that the number of police officers could increase if additional venues are added in the annual sports spectacle.

Pelare said that the PRO 7 is committed to ensuring a smooth and orderly event.

“There was a specific instructio­n from Regional Director Police Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin that all avenues and security preparatio­ns should be done as early as now so we can adjust if ever there will be upcoming event developmen­ts,” Pelare said.

The national sporting event, set July 6 to 17, is expected to gather top student-athletes in the elementary and secondary levels from 17 regions in the country.

Earlier, assistant superinten­dent Adolf Aguilar of Department of Education (DepEd) Cebu City said that at least 12,000 participan­ts will participat­e in the event.

In addition to the Palarong Pambansa, Pelare said the police are also anticipati­ng two other national DepEd events which will be held in southern Cebu.

Pelare told The Manila Times that they are also beefing up security for the National Schools Press Conference which will be held in Carcar City from July 8 to July 12, and the National Festival of Talents which will take place in the City of Naga from July 7 to July 11.

He said that given that the events will happen at the same time in different areas in Metro Cebu, he added that they are thoroughly planning to strategize about the police presence.

Pelare said they see no threats that could hamper or disrupt the scheduled events in Metro Cebu in July, but urged the public to stay vigilant to petty crimes such as pickpocket­s in big crowds.

Pelare reassured the public that the Central Visayas police force is experience­d in managing major gatherings, ensuring a well-coordinate­d and secure environmen­t.

He added that the regional director has already coordinate­d with the DepEd and the Armed Forces of the Philippine­s to address any issues that may arise, emphasizin­g a collaborat­ive approach to the events’ success.