Police: SEAG opening ceremony peaceful

People wave Philippine flags during the opening ceremony of the SEA Games at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan, on Saturday. (AFP)

The Philippine National Police (PNP) said no untoward incident was reported during the much-anticipated opening of the 30th edition of the Southeast Asian Games at the 50,000-seater Philippine Arena in Bulacan on Saturday.

“PNP lauds the full support and cooperation of the public in ensuring the success of the opening ceremony of the 30th SEA games yesterday,” PNP officer-in-charge, Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa said in a statement on Sunday.

A total of 19,767 police officers and government personnel have been deployed to ensure the country’s smooth hosting of the prestigious sports event.

He said tight PNP security remains in full force in cooperation with the Philippine Sea Games Organizational Committee (Phisgoc).

Gamboa said the PNP will remain alert and vigilant to prevent occurrence of crimes and implement security contingency plans in case Typhoon “Tisoy” will affect the scheduled games and assist local disaster management councils to implement preventive evacuations should the need arises.

“We urge the public to maintain excellent display of unity, discipline and order. Unity in diversity. We Win as One!” Gamboa said.

The formal opening showcased a performance that highlighted the beauty of a “united” Philippines—from complex warrior dances to the many struggles of the host country’s marginalized sector.

The audience witnessed the parade of around 8,750 athletes from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, Timor Leste, Singapore and Vietnam.

The opening rites also showed the simultaneous lighting of the cauldron by Filipino boxing champions Sen. Manny Pacquiao and Nesthy Petecio at the New Clark City.

The Philippines hosted this year’s SEA Games for the fourth time—after the 1981, 1991, and 2005 editions.

The 30th SEA Games will take place until 11 December at the newly-built New Clark City Sports Hub in Capas, Tarlac; Subic, Zambales; Laguna; Batangas; Tagaytay; Imus, Cavite; and the newly-renovated Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila. (PNA)