NCRPO deploys 200 cops for Britney Spears concert

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) on Wednesday said at least 200 police officers will be deployed at the Mall of Asia Arena for the concert of American pop star Britney Spears.

NCRPO chief Director Oscar Albayalde did a walk-through at the MOA Arena on Tuesday with Southern Police District head Chief Supt. Tomas Apolinario, assuring that there is no specific threat for Thursday's concert.

“There is no specific threat. What is new now is we have personnel inside the concert hall, armed and uniformed, also at the lobby. In the concert area we have 20 to 30 uniformed personnel and also observers inside,” Albayalde said in a press statement.

He said the 200 policemen would cover the security of both inside and outside the concert premises in Pasay City.

Albayalde said the in previous occasions, policemen are not allowed inside concert halls.

At the same time, he said the NCRPO will allot police assistance desks and K9 units at the venue. “We also have police assistance desks at the entrances and exits and parking marshals and K9 units.” 

He added the presence of uniformed men at the concert premises already makes the concert goers feel safer.

“I think even in foreign countries they prefer uniformed personnel as people feel safer,” Abayalde said.

Last week, Albayalde told GMA News in an interview that police intelligence units have not monitored ISIS militants in Metro Manila. — Joseph Tristan Roxas/RSJ, GMA News