Police on SEAG-alert until all delegates leave

The Philippines capped a successful Southeast Asian Games hosting with a dazzling display of drone presentation and fireworks in the closing ceremony. (David John Cubangbang)

The Philippine National Police (PNP), particularly personnel deployed to secure the just-ended 30th Southeast Asian Games (SEAG), will remain on heightened alert until the “last foreign delegate has left the country.”

PNP officer-in-charge P/Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa issued the order on Thursday, stressing that their job in securing the biennial meet does not end with the closing ceremonies held Wednesday evening in Tarlac.

Police units in tourist destinations in Luzon and Visayas have also been directed to continue providing security to members of SEA Games delegations who are extending their stay.

The PNP’s security contingent for the SEAG will maintain visibility and readiness to provide assistance to athletes, officials and guests, particularly in the movement of outbound delegates from billeting venues to the airport.

Protocol officers of the different delegations likewise notified PNP authorities of the travel arrangements of their athletes and officials who will visit other cities.

“The Philippine National Police is proud of the role that we performed in the successful hosting of the 30th SEA Games by the Philippines,” Gamboa said in a statement. “The mission ends only until after the last foreign delegate has left the country.”

Gamboa thus urged the public to continue cooperating with authorities and observe all security measures already in place.

The PNP OIC also reminded gun owners that the suspension of gun carrying privileges by virtue of Permits to Carry Firearms Outside of Residence (PTCFOR), remain suspended until this Saturday, 14 December, in Central Luzon, CALABARZON, Metro Manila and La Union.