PNP super task force ready

A super Police Task Force has been formed to ensure the safety and security of roughly 7,000 foreign athletes and observers in the 23rd SEA Games here late this month, the Philippine National Police (PNP) announced yesterday.

PNP chief, Director General Arturo Lomibao handpicked his deputy chief for operations, Deputy Director Avelino Razon Jr., as commander of the Task Force SEA Games composed of about 14,000 to 15,000 policemen.

The massive security preparations come in the wake of reports that local and foreign terrorists are plotting to conduct post-Ramadan bombing runs in the country.

"In view of the Philippines hosting the 23rd SEA Games, General Lomibao organized TF SEA Games which shall coordinate, direct, and supervise the conduct of operations in various area of engagement," PNP spokesman, Chief Superintendent Leopoldo Bataoil said.

TF SEA Games, according to Bataoil will be overseeing the security aspects in the SEA Games through the five sub-police Task Groups (TGs), namely, TG NCRPO, TG PRO4, TG PRO3, TG PRO6, and TG PRO7, to ensure the success of the event.

"These Task Groups shall be responsible for the security coverage, Civil Disturbance Management (CDM) operations and Traffic Management and other concerns involving the safety of all the athletes and observers, local and foreign alike," Bataoil said.

As scheduled, participants in the forthcoming regional biennial sporting event will be competing in 53 events in 41 different venues in Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Southern Tagalog, and in Western and Central Visayas.

Aside from venues of the games, Bataoil said Task Force SEA Games, have also laid out security preparations in places where foreign delegates are expected to visit during their stay here.

Initially, Task Force has already conducted security surveys in all places of engagement while a refresher training for its security personnel on anti-terrorism, VIP security is now in full swing.

"We just can let our guards down. We should look at all level of security threats during the SEA Games, including terrorism," Bataoil said, explaining the massive security preparations.

He, clarified though, that government security forces has not monitored any terrorists’ threat or "disturbing reports" that may derail the SEA Games.

"We have surveyed places of engagement, routes to be taken by convoy, organization and staffing of the Task Force liaisoning and coordinating activities with other agencies, conduct refresher training for VIP security and anti-terrorism, conduct simulation exercises, and conduct of intelligence and counter-intelligence activities," Bataoil assured.

He these security preparations would be put into motion starting Nov. 15 until Nov. 22 which would be fully operational by then.

Once operational, Bataoil said security emphasis would be focused on covert and overt operations, intelligence and counter-intelligence and continuance of liaisoning and coordinating with involved agencies.

Lomibao, Bataoil said, also ordered all policemen involved in the SEA Games security to wear presentable and appropriate uniforms as he underscored the relevance and importance of the event to country.

Lomibao also extorted not only the security forces, but also the public for a high level of vigilance during the SEA Games, to prevent the disruption of the event.

"We appeal to the public to help the police monitor, report and prevent any peace and order problem that might affect the SEA Games," Lomibao, in a press statement, said.