Noy to lead opening of Iglesia arena

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino will lead the inauguration today of the Iglesia ni Cristo’s Philippine Arena – the world’s largest indoor arena – situated at the 75-hectare eco-tourism zone Ciudad de Victoria or City of Victory in Bocaue, Bulacan.

The President will be accompanied by INC executive minister Eduardo Manalo in the unveiling of the marker in front of the Philippine Arena, which will signal the opening of Ciudad de Victoria.

Other government officials and foreign dignitaries are also expected to attend the event.

Aquino will be introduced to the congregation by Vice President Jejomar Binay.

The President will then deliver his speech, after which he will be presented the first copy of the Philippine Arena Coffee Table Book.

The Philippine Arena, with a seating capacity of 55,000, is the centerpiece of INC’s several projects for their centennial celebration on July 27.

Tight security

Chief Superintendent Raul Petrasanta, Police Regional Office-3 director, yesterday said 3,000 policemen will be deployed for the INC event.

The Tollways Management Corp. (TMC) will also field additional personnel along the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) in preparation for the possible increase in traffic volume.

Earlier estimates said at least 50,000 people are expected to attend the inauguration, which is seen as a dry run for the INC centennial celebration on Sunday.

Construction of the Philippine Arena, which had a P9-billion budget, started in 2011.

It was built by Korea’s Hanwha Engineering and Consulting Corp. in coordination with Populous, a global architecture corporation based in Australia, and Buro Happold, a global engineering consulting firm based in the United Kingdom.

Auxiliary force

Meanwhile, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has expressed readiness to secure INC members who will attend the religious sect’s centennial festivities.

“We are ready for any eventuality,” said NCRPO chief Director Carmelo Valmoria.

He said they will secure airports and seaports for INC members coming from Mindanao, the Visayas, Bicol and Southern Tagalog. – With Non Alquitran, Ric Sapnu, Dino Balabo