PNP: 4,400 security personnel to be deployed for FIBA World Cup 2023

Around 4,400 security personnel would be deployed to secure the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Basketball World Cup 2023, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Friday.

“Magde-deploy po tayo ng more or less 4,400 PNP personnel pero kasama na po dyan sa bilang na yan yung ating mga other concerned agencies, gaya po ng AFP, PCG, Red Cross, DOH, at force multipliers,” PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo said during a televised public briefing.

(We will deploy more or less 4,400 PNP and other personnel from concerned agencies like the AFP, PCG, Red Cross, DOH.)

These personnel will not only cover the venues of FIBA 2023, but also the areas where crowds would gather.

Fajardo said the PNP had launched a soft deployment of personnel at airports and billeting areas as some participants and spectators have started arriving in the country for the event.

As early as June, the PNP had 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, the PNP said.

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. — DVM, GMA Integrated News