Marikina LGU, EPD to deploy task force for 'Palarong Pambansa 2023'
Marikina PIO / MANILA BULLETIN
The Marikina City local government and the Eastern Police District (EPD) will deploy a security task force to ensure the safety of all athletes, delegates, and the general public during the “Palarong Pambansa 2023” on July 29 to Aug. 5. “We have met with our local police authorities to review their comprehensive security plan for a safe, peaceful, and orderly Palaro,” said Marikina Mayor Marcelino “Marcy” Teodoro. The Task Force is under the direct supervision of the National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) and will be led by NCRPO chief Brig. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. as the Task Force commander, who will oversee the deployment. EPD Director PBrig. Gen. Wilson Asueta will be the Sub-Task Force commander, who will supervise the deployment. In addition, Castillo will serve as Task Group commander. According to Marikina City Police Chief Col. Earl Castillo, the task force consists of a total of 1,088 security personnel, including 695 police officers, 138 Barangay Peace-Keeping Action Teams (BPATs), 155 Bantay-Bayan, and 100 Office of Public Safety and Security (OPSS) personnel. They are designed to ensure the safety of the delegations and guests, monitor the tactical movement, and operations. They are also tasked to secure the sports venues, billeting quarters, and other areas throughout the Palaro. “We are 100 percent ready. As of now, there is no direct imminent threat in the staging of the 63rd Palarong Pambansa,” Castillo said. "Ang aming task force ay may tatlong sanga, mayroon kaming peace and order referring to anti criminality operations, mayroon kaming security pertains to Palarong Pambansa, mayroon kaming emergency preparedness response," the police chief added. An Advance Command Post will be stationed at the Marikina Sports Center. Around 60 Police Assistance Desk will be set up at the 31 billeting areas and 29 playing venues. These posts will be manned by the police, along with Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT), Bantay-bayan, Barangay Tanods, Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and the Medical Team of Marikina City.