Lorenzana: No monitored threat to upcoming SEA Games

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana has assured the public that security forces have not monitored any terror threat to the upcoming 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in the country.

On Monday, a send-off ceremony, which was graced by Lorenzana and Armed Forces chief General Noel Clement, was held at Camp Aguinaldo for the contingents from the military and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council who will provide assistance on the sports activities.

LOOK: A send-off ceremony for the 30th SEA Games contingents from DND-AFP-NDRRMC was held in Camp Aguinaldo, Monday morning. @gmanews pic.twitter.com/DtcXXUr8Ek

— ????Anna Felicia (@annafelicia_) November 11, 2019

"We do not see the likelihood pero mabuti na 'yung nakahanda  'di ba. Kasama 'yan sa ating ginagawa kaya nga mahigpit 'yung ating seguridad sa loob ng mga events, venues..." Lorenzana said at the sidelines of the ceremony.

"Mas mabuti na 'yung mag-sobra tayo ng security kaysa magkulang..." he added.

Aside from the soldiers who will provide security, a total of 127 soldier-athletes and coaches will compete in the 2019 SEA Games.

"On behalf of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, I offer my heartfelt support to our athlete-soldiers and coaches joining 30th SEA Games," Clement said.

"Show the world your discipline and dedication and may you have God's favor," Clement added.

The opening ceremony of the SEA Games will be held at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan on November 30.

The Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, Athletics Stadium and Aquatic Center in New Clark City as well as the Manila Polo Club are among the venues which will be used for various sports events until December 11.

For its part, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said a total of 27,440 personnel would be deployed for the SEA Games.

"We have started preparations since last year. We continue to rehearse and fine-tune all our systems and procedures for this event, such that we have established full back-up system that will address any unforeseen situation that may arise," PNP officer-in-charge Police Lieutenant General Archie Francisco Gamboa said in a separate press briefing. 

Earlier, House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano said classes in areas, where various sports activities of the SEA Games will be held, could be suspended to ensure a smooth flow of the events. — RSJ, GMA News