THE Philippine National Police (PNP) has accomplished its mission of ensuring peace and order during the conduct of the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, but the men will continue security operations until the last foreign delegate has left the country.
PNP officer-in-charge Lieutenant General Archie Francisco Gamboa said on Thursday, December 12, that all units particularly in tourist spots in Luzon and Visayas have been alerted because some delegates plan to extend their stay in the country as tourists.
“(I) have ordered the PNP security contingent for the 30th SEA Games to maintain police visibility and readiness to provide assistance to athletes, officials and guests, particularly in the movement of outbound delegates from the games and billeting venues to the airport,” he said.
“The mission ends only until after the last foreign delegate has left the country,” he added.
Gamboa said, however, that the gun ban in Central Luzon, Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon), Metro Manila and the province of La Union will be lifted on December 14.
The SEA Games culminated on Wednesday, December 10, with a grand ceremony held at the New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac.
The PNP said it has not recorded any major untoward incident during the entire duration of the SEA games except for a minor vehicular collision at NLEX between two buses ferrying athletes.
“The Philippine National Police is proud of the role that we performed in the successful hosting of the 30th SEA Games by the Philippines,” Gamboa said.
“Just like in the other international events held in the country, the citizens' cooperation and support contributed immeasurably to the success of the 30th SEA Games,” the PNP official added. (SunStar Philippines)