City beefs up Ironman security

CEBU, Philippines - About 1,500 security personnel will be deployed in Lapu-Lapu City on August 2 during the Cobra Ironman 70.3 Philippines 2015 whose route will cover the cities of Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue and Cebu.

Senior Superintendent Armando Radoc, office-in-charge of Lapu-Lapu City Police Office, 11 security control points or police assistance desks will be installed along the route of the famous triathlon event. The security control points will be manned by police and medical personnel.

To avoid being stuck on traffic, especially on the roads between Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue, Radoc said sea ambulances will be provided to immediately respond to emergencies and for easy transport to hospitals during the international race.

Lapu-Lapu City Traffic Management System head Frank Brazil said the roads affected by the race will be closed starting 5:30 a.m. until 12 noon.

Tourists and observers from other towns and cities are advised to take the ferry from Pier 3 in Cebu City going to their desired destination in Lapu-Lapu.

A security run-through for the bike and running course will be held on July 31 from the triathlon's main venue, Shangri-La's Mactan Resort and Spa in Barangay Punta Engaño, going to Manuel L. Quezon Highway in Barangay Ibo, including Marcelo Fernan Bridge.

This is the fourth Cobra Ironman 70.3 international triathlon event to be hosted by the Philippines. The first one was held in Camarines Sur in 2012 and most recent editions held in Lapu-Lapu City.

According to Radoc, the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office will be on heightened alert starting July 28 until October or throughout the duration of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit ministerial meetings in Cebu.