Philippine Arena on lockdown for 30th SEA Games opening

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan will be on lockdown for the opening ceremony of the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games on Saturday, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).

“Minutes before the 30th SEA Games formally unfold, the Philippine Arena has been locked down for the grand opening ceremony of the biennial sports tournament,”  PNP spokesman Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac said in a statement.

Banac said security for the opening ceremony was on “full swing” as the police force continued to give full support for Filipino athletes competing in the SEA Games.

President Rodrigo Duterte also arrived at the arena to grace the opening ceremony of the games.

The PNP implemented its full alert status in four regions in the Philippines on Monday, Nov. 25.

The full alert status will be lifted on Dec. 14, three days after the SEA Games.

The PNP fielded 27,000 police officers in regions hosting the SEA Games events.

/atm