PNP News Releases 2005

CENTRAL LUZON & CALABARZON A-OK FOR 23rd SEA GAMES

PNP Chief, Director General Arturo C Lomibao continued this morning his security readines inspection of the 23rd SEA Games venues in Central Luzon and CALABARZON regions.

On board 2 PNP helicopters, Lomibao was accompanied by the overall Commander of Task Force SEA Games, PDDGen Avelino Razon Jr; Police Director Rodolfo Tor, Chief of the Committee on Security of the Philippine Sports Commission; and PCSupt Leopoldo N Bataoil, PNP Spokesman.

In Clark Air Base, PCSupt Alejandro Lapinid the PNP Regional Director and Head of Task Force PRO3 briefed the PNP Chief of its security plan.

No specific threat had been reported by Lapinid so far, but a detailed security system will cover arrival, billeting, events venue, route, social activities and other areas of concern.

Events in archery, canoe & kayak, sailing, and triathlon will be held at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone in Olongapo City, while events in lawn bowls and petanque will be held at the Hidden Vale Sports Club in Angeles City.

Overt and covert security service will be provided mainly by the PNP with augmentation from AFP and force multipliers. The Hacienda Luisita situation is not expected to affect the conduct of SEA Games.

CALABARZON, on the other hand, will host aquatics events in Los Baños, Laguna; men's golf in Canlubang Country Club; and chess at the Tagaytay City Convention Center.

Razon reminded the Sub Task Groups to conduct proactive operations against salisi and ativan gangs, pickpocketers, etc.

Tor for his part said that night clubs and other places of entertainment must also be monitored closely as these are the likely places of trouble. Director Nemesio Santos of RDCC-3 assured the group that other services and utilities will be continually checked and rendered safe.

Lomibao expressed his satisfaction on the TF PRO3 preparations and for his final guidance, he advised "all male participants to wash their hands after using the toilet to prevent spread of bird flu".