PNP: Security measures locked in for 2023 FIBA World Cup

The security measures for the conduct of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Basketball World Cup 2023 are all in place, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).

In a statement, the PNP said an interagency conference, attended by stakeholders and experts, was held in Camp Crame on Wednesday to discuss the security strategy for the sports event.

Among the agencies who attended the meeting were the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, the Department of Health, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Manila International Airport Authority, and the Local Organizing Committee of FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.

The PNP said the country is dedicated to hosting a “safe and successful” FIBA Basketball World Cup, citing the efforts of the security task group for the event.

According to the PNP, the security plans cover crowd management, emergency response, traffic control, and public health measures that align with global best practices to ensure security for all attendees.

The PNP said 2,589 personnel from the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) and 363 officers from Police Regional Office 3 (PRO-3) will be deployed.

A total of 2,904 personnel from other government agencies and force multipliers will also help secure the basketball event.

"Our collective efforts ensure that FBWC 2023 not only showcases world-class basketball but also sets an example for seamless coordination in providing a secure environment for global events," said PNP Acting Deputy Chief for Operations Police Lieutenant General Michael John Dubria, the overall supervisor for the event.

The PNP said it is expecting 3,000 participants in the event, including FIBA members, World Congress attendees, local organizers, government officials, media, and foreign embassy representatives.

Around 2,000 guests are also expected to  arrive from other countries for the event, the PNP said.

So far, the PNP said 2,017 delegation arrivals have been recorded as of Wednesday, including 793 participants and 1,224 FIBA officials and staff.

As early as June, the PNP has started its preparations for the security of FIBA 2023, which will be held from August 25 to September 10.

Three Asian countries will host FIBA 2023: the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia.

The Philippines will specifically host participants from Africa, the Americas, Asia-Pacific, and Europe, with an expected total of 3,253 FIBA customer groups participating.

Games will be played in different venues, including the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City and the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.

The opening ceremony and the opening games between Angola and Italy, and Philippines and the Dominican Republic at the Philippine Arena in Sta Maria, Bulacan will kick off the tournament. —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA Integrated News