Watching SEAG events? Ditch the bag

The 85-year-old Rizal Memorial Sports Complex gets a major makeover.

To spare spectators the inconvenience, the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) announced a “clear bag policy” and a list of banned items that will not be allowed inside all competition venues of the 30th SEA Games.

“With more than 11,000 athletes and officials from 11 countries for the SEA Games as well as the thousands more who will watch the games live, we adopted these added measures to ensure the safety and security of participants and fans,” said PHISGOC chief operating officer Ramon Suzara.

“We have to be extra careful considering the size and scope of the 30th SEA Games,” added Suzara, citing the 56 sports spread over arenas in Metro Manila, Cavite, Batangas, Bulacan, Pampanga, La Union and Zambales.

National Capital Region police chief, Brig. Gen. Debold Sinas reiterated these reminders: Each spectator will be allowed one plastic, vinyl or transparent tote bag with the size not exceeding 12x6x12; storage bags and freezer bags should not be able to hold more than a gallon; and clutch bags, including the strap, should not exceed 4.5×6.5.

Large, bulky objects (too large to be placed under the seats)

Large banners and flags (that exceed 31 x 5 feet)

Propaganda, including ideological, racist, and xenophobic material

Possible projectiles (the organizers included sports equipment here)

Camera extenders like selfie sticks and tripods

The ban was imposed starting Monday, 25 November, when the men’s and women’s football events kicked off at the Rizal Memorial Football Field in Manila and at the Biñan Stadium in Laguna as well as at the netball tournament at the Santa Rosa Sports Coliseum in Laguna. (2019seagames.com)