By Dan Estacio
CAMP VICENTE LIM, LAGUNA– A total of 7,899 security forces and resources of Task Group Southern Luzon are all set to secure sporting events that will be held in the Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon) region for the 30th Southeast Asian Games.
(Photo from PNA)
The contingents and resources were presented today during the send-off ceremony held here and graced by the Functional Area Director for Games Security and Safety-Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee, retired AFP General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang.
Police Regional Office 4A Brigadier General Vicente D. Danao Jr., as the commander of Task Group Southern Luzon, presented the forces and resources and was acknowledged by the Special Task Force 30th SEA Games commander Police Brigadier General Rey Lyndon T. Lawas.
The Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) is a biennial regional multi-sport event which this year will be hosted in the Philippines from November 30 to December 11, 2019.
A total of 9, 840 athletes will compete in 529 events in 56 sports, making this edition the largest SEAG in terms of sports and events contested.
The event will have competition venues spread across 23 cities across the country, divided into four clusters.
Calabarzon is the fourth cluster, comprising venues in Biñan, Los Baños, and Sta. Rosa Laguna; Calatagan, Batangas; and Imus and Maragondon, Cavite. Meanwhile venues for the cycling events are located in Tagaytay City and the municipalities of Nasugbu, Tuy, Lemery, Agoncillo, Balayan, Lian, Talisay, Calaca and Laurel, Batangas.
Gen. Catapang commended PRO4A through the leadership of Danao for the excellent security preparations. He encouraged the contingents to play their important roles in securing not only the athletes and the delegates from the 11 participating countries but also the spectators who will flock to the sports venues to witness the games.
Danao said that the contingents from PNP Calabarzon were already directed about their primary functions while on the field.
“Although we do not have any threats in our area, we shall not remain complacent possible attacks from terrorists groups and other lawless elements during the conduct of said event,” he added.
Permits to carry firearms outside of residence in Regions 3, 4A, NCR, and the entire province of La Union were suspended effective today until December 14 to ensure the safety and security of the games participants and the populace.