EPD vows public order, security during FIBA World Cup
The Eastern Police District (EPD) is committed to ensuring public order and security during the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) World Cup 2023, hosted by the National Capital Region (NCR), from Aug. 25 to Sept. 10.
"The EPD will be fully committed in providing security measures to the success of the FIBA World Cup 2023 and will ensure the safety of the players and spectators," said EPD District Director Brig. Gen. Wilson Asueta in a statement.
The number of personnel to be deployed was not disclosed, but the EPD stated that "all police operations and manpower are intensified to its maximum" for complete security coverage in the Eastern portion of Metro Manila.
Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and K9 units, along with Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams have been deployed and prepped for emergency response, as per the EPD.
For police visibility, Police Assistance Desks (PADs) have been installed in expected areas of convergence to maintain crowd control.
The police have also activated their Civil Disturbance Management Contingents to provide immediate assistance and security.
Asueta stressed that all members of the EPD should be "well-briefed, alert, and vigilant" throughout the duration of the World Cup.
The district director also inspected the Pasig City Sports Complex to ensure the safety of the athletes who were conducting rehearsals and practices for the World Cup, as well as the security preparations for the actual FIBA games.
The FIBA World Cup games will be held at the Araneta Coliseum, Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena, and Philippine Arena. It will bring together basketball athletes and teams from Italy, China, United States of America (USA), New Zealand, Mexico, Greece, Jordan, Egypt, Montenegro, Lithuania, South Sudan, Serbia, Puerto Rico, Angola, and the Dominican Republic, along with fans from around the world.
The games will occur simultaneously with other games scheduled in other host countries, namely Japan and Indonesia, from Aug. 25 to Sept. 3. The final phase of FIBA will be held at the MOA Arena from Sept. 5 to 10.