The National Capital Region Police Office has commended all district
and station police commanders in Metro Manila for the country’s
peaceful hosting of the 19th International Basketball Federation
(FIBA) World Cup 2023.
NCRPO chief Brig. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr., also expressed
gratitude to the 4,797 police officers deployed from five police
districts in NCR, national headquarters, regional support units, the
Special Action Force, and personnel from other government agencies and
force multipliers to ensure peace and order during the event from Aug.
25 to Sept. 10.
The law enforcers were responsible for ensuring the security and
protection of 1,582 delegates at the airports, six billeting hotels,
and venues such as the Philippine Arena in Bulacan, the Smart Araneta
Coliseum in Quezon City, and the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Nartatez also praised other law enforcement agencies, the Philippine
Sports Commission, local government units, hotel security management,
and event organizers for their cooperation in implementing security
measures.
David Crocker, executive director of the FIBA Basketball World Cup
2023, thanked the Philippine Government, especially the Command
Center, and the more than 4,000 people tasked with ensuring the safety
of teams, fans, and VIPs.
“We sincerely thank everybody. That was an amazing experience.
Everybody felt secure; the transport system was amazing, as well as
the integration of government services offered to us. We look forward
to working with you again,” he said.
Nartatez attributed the successful and peaceful conduct of the
basketball tournament to police visibility, intensified intelligence
monitoring, the establishment of police assistance desks in the
immediate vicinities of venues and billets, and the establishment of
an advance command post in strategic areas.