Security ready for biggest triathlon in Asia

CEBU, Philippines - At least 1,000 security personnel will be deployed to secure the participants in the third staging of the Cobra IRONMAN 70.3 Philippines in Lapu-Lapu City next month.

Senior Superintendent Erson Digal, chief of the Regional Operations and Plans Division, said that security preparations for the events have been finalized yesterday.

Digal said that security personnel will come from the Philippine National Police, Central Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Naval Forces Central.

According to Digal, all security personnel have been required to be at their designated area two hours before the actual event.

More than 2,500 contingents from 40 participating countries are expected to be in Cebu on August 3 for the most popular IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon events in Asia.

Digal said they will be covering the entire competition venue as well as the hotel where the participants will be billeted.

"Police, military and covert personnel will be spread all over Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue, Cebu, and Talisay City to ensure the area and all personnel must be ready in any eventuality," Digal said, adding that area commanders and area supervisors will be designated to take charge of the security personnel.

Digal reminded the public to watch for pickpockets and snatchers who are expected to take advantage of the event.

"Ilabi na ang mga magpa-picture or magpakita sa ilang mga gadgets mosiaw nang mga criminal so dapat magbantay gyud," Digal said.

Insp. Isagani Bajao, deputy chief of the Regional Police Escort Unit, said they have six personnel assigned to escort high-profile participants.

Bajao said 20 personnel currently undergoing trainings and seminars in preparation for the Asia Pacific Economic Conference next year could be pulled out to provide security to very important persons if necessary.

"So far, si Piolo Pascual pa may nangayo og police escort sa foreign nationals wala pa," Bajao said.

At least 13 high-profile personalities are expected to join the triathlon.

Frank Brazil, chief of the City Traffic Management System in Lapu-Lapu City, said traffic contingency plans have been made to avoid a similar incident last year wherein several passengers complained that they were late of their flights because of the traffic.

"Daghan og complaints last year tungod sa stop and go sa traffic unya daghan ang na-late sa flight nila ug ang dunay mga lakaw naaberya sad," Brazil said.

 Brazil said the right lane of the Marcelo Fernan Bridge will be open for two-way traffic. He said only the left lane will be used for the event. He said a final rerouting map will be issued to guide the public. —/FPL (FREEMAN)