NCRPO deploys 1,000 cops, snipers for Miss U pageant

MANILA, Philippines – The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) will deploy over 1,000 policemen and snipers to the Mall of Asia Arena (MOA) in Pasay City for the Miss Universe coronation on Jan. 30, an official said yesterday.

NCRPO chief Director Oscar Albayalde said at least 100 policemen in barong and black suits would be posted inside the arena, 353 at the lobby and 650 at  checkpoints in the area.

The NCRPO K-9 unit will patrol the arena premises three times before the coronation, Albayalde said.

He added that two teams of snipers composed of three personnel each would be deployed during the pageant.

Albayalde said five X-ray machines to be manned by personnel of the Office of the Transportation Security would be installed at the gates.

He said security measures were in place to ensure that no untoward incident would mar the pageant.

President Duterte is expected to watch the pageant.

The NCRPO and Southern Police District under Chief Superintendent Tomas Apolinario conducted yesterday ground inspection and security dry run at the MOA Arena.

Albayalde said cell phone signals would not be cut off to avoid miscommunication between the pageant organizers and police.

He also reminded police officers not to take selfies with the candidates during the pageant.