CEBU CITY: The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Central Visayas on Wednesday said it will deploy 2,000 police officers to secure this Palarong Pambansa, which will be held from July 6 to 17.
Lt. Col. Gerard Ace Pelare, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office (PRO-7), said the number of police officers to be deployed may still change depending on the number of billeting areas for the athletes, coaches and trainers, and the sports venues.
‘The PNP is in close coordination with the Department of Education and the local government units (LGUs) of Cebu City and other LGUs,’ Pelare said.
He said they received information that organizers are adding additional venues for some sports events.
Currently, at least 25 billeting quarters in Metro Cebu have been reserved to accommodate around 15,000 athletes, coaches, trainers, and school officials.
Pelare said there would be other major events to be held in some localities in the province that also need to be secured by the local police.
‘Our intelligence commu
nity sees no possible threats that can disrupt the incoming Palaro activities. But we cannot discount petty crimes like simple snatching, thievery, or even other security issues like traffic congestion,’ he said.
Meanwhile, acting Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia expressed the city government’s full support for PNP members securing the Palaro.
This year’s national game will be hosted by the city.
During the celebration of this year’s Independence Day last week, the city government turned over eight brand-new patrol cars to PNP-Cebu City.
Source: Philippines News Agency