18-8-2023 (MANILA) In preparation for the upcoming 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, the Philippines is set to deploy approximately 4,400 law officers in Manila and its adjacent province to ensure the safety and security of the event. Police Colonel Jean Fajardo, spokesperson for the Philippine National Police, made the announcement on Friday, emphasizing the collaborative effort involving personnel from various agencies.
The security force responsible for safeguarding the tournament will consist of members from the Philippine National Police, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine Coast Guard, and the Philippine Red Cross. Their combined presence aims to create a secure environment for players, officials, and spectators throughout the duration of the tournament.
Scheduled to take place from August 25 to September 10, the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup will be jointly hosted by the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia. Manila will serve as a key host city, accommodating 16 teams, including prominent basketball nations such as China and the United States, during the group phase. Additionally, all final phase games will be held in various venues across the Philippines.
With FIBA participants already beginning to arrive, Colonel Fajardo assured that security measures have been implemented, particularly at airports and the accommodations where the participants and delegates are staying. This soft deployment aims to ensure their safety and well-being from the moment they set foot in the country.
In support of the event, Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos has issued an order suspending classes in public schools at all levels and temporarily halting work in government offices in Metro Manila and the adjacent province on August 25.
