PRO-7 to deploy 2,000 cops to secure Palaro

CEBU, Philippines — An initial 2,000 personnel will be deployed by Police Regional Office (PRO)-7 to secure the Palarong Pambansa 2024 in Cebu City.

The number of security personnel could increase especially that more venues have been identified for the biggest school-based sporting event in the country depending on their assessment, says PRO-7 spokesperson Lt. Col. Gerard Ace Pelare.

Pelare said the security preparations continue with the close coordination with the local government units, Department of Education, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

"Initial pa lang tong number of personnel (to be) deployed because we know that there are other activities coming in coinciding the same period but Cebu and Central Visayas has always been host to a lot of international and national events and we have been so use to this kind of activities," said Pelare.

According to Pelare, the security contingents will come from Cebu City Police Office and augmentation from other provinces in the region. He added that they would assess the situation if they would need additional personnel from outside PRO-7 especially that there will be other national events like the National Schools Press Conference and the National Festival of Talents.

The regional police office, led by Brigadier General Anthony Aberin, has assured that all necessary preparations are being done to ensure the safety and security of all the delegates.

Pelare, however, said they have not monitored any threat to the upcoming event. — (FREEMAN)