CLARK FREEPORT -- The region’s police command sees a safe and secure conduct of the country’s hosting of Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) in Central Luzon, with about 8,000 cops being deployed in the sporting meet this November.
In an interview, Police Brigadier General Joel Napoleon Coronel, regional director of the Philippine National Police said that groundworks have been laid to ensure the safety of delegations from member countries attending the biennial meet.
“We are working closely with the BCDA and the organizing committee and the LGU of Capas. Our planning includes AFP and intelligence agencies, including the NBI in order to provide a comprehensive security,” Coronel said.
Coronel on Thursday, July 11, paid a courtesy call on Capas Mayor Reynaldo Catacutan to discuss preparations for the event.
He said that there are 52 games venues in the region including Clark, Subic and Bataan. Their concentration is in Capas where most of the athletics and aquatics games will be held.
He estimates that some 100,000 attendees comprising of athletes, officials, spectators and guests will be coming to the New Clark City (NCC) in Capas.
The 30th SEAG will be held in various locations in Central Luzon, with the NCC serving as main venue with its 20,000-seater stadium and Finaa standard Aquatic Center. Both are undergoing final stages of completion and would serve as main attractions in the regional sporting meet.
Aside from NCC, other locations include the Philippine Arena in Bulacan for the opening ceremonies.
Coronel said that more than the security of delegations from participating countries, he is more concerned on traffic.
“We have not monitored any threat whether imminent or actual. And I hope it stays that way. Traffic is a principal concern more than security because of yet unfinished road construction which we were told will be finished on September 1,” he said.
For his part, Catacutan said: “Capas is very much ready in hosting the SEA Games considering that all roads leading to the sports city of the Philippines will be turned over by October 15, including the stadium and aquatics center,” Catacutan said in an interview.