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.
DILG.GOV
