CEBU CITY — Police here are gearing up for the country’s biggest multi-sporting event that this city is hosting in July.
The Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) said it is already focusing on crafting security measures to ensure the peaceful conduct of the week-long Palarong Pambansa starting on July 9.
Police Lt. Col. Janette Rafter, deputy city director for administration of the CCPO, said more than 1,000 security forces will be deployed to secure the event.
Rafter said the CCPO will be augmented by its counterpart from the Armed Forces Visayas Command as well civilian force multipliers who will be deployed in various playing venues and billeting areas.
Rafter said the CCPO is hoping to replicate the success of the recent Central Visayas Regional Athletic Association Meet where they succeeded in achieving a zero crime rate during the week-long competition.
Rafter said securing the Palaro will be more challenging compared to the CVIRAA meet.
She said there were about 12,000 student-athletes and officials who arrived in this city for the CVIRAA but they are expecting people who will be in the Palaro to double.
“That’s really the challenge. We are expecting the number of participants to more than double probably,” said Rafter.
The Police Regional Office-Central Visayas (PRO-7) will be on a higher alert status during the Palaro where Very Important Personalities are expected to attend.
“For sure, we will be on a full alert start because we expect an influx of people,” said Police Lt. Col. Gerard Ace Pelare, spokesperson of PRO-7 chief Police Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin.
Security will be tightened not just in the city but also in neighboring areas as visitors are also expected to be in some of the top tourist spots in Metro Cebu.
“Our regional director would like to assure you that we will deliver the appropriate security coverage for the Palarong Pambansa,” said Pelare.