SEA Games 23 gets a hand with security from the FBI

The U.S. government will assist the Philippines in its ongoing preparations for the coming 2005 Southeast Asian Games to take place in November. 
 

The Americans are sending a team of operatives from its Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) to Manila in October to assist local securities forces in the security arrangements for the largest regional multi-sport biennial event.

Philippine Olympic Committee president Cojuangco announced the assistance yesterday following a meeting with SEA Games security chief and Philippine National Police, Rodolfo Tor.

The FBI will coordinate in the training of SEA Games security personnel on counterterrorist measures.

He added that the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee will seek the assistance of concerned government agencies to help in the events security arrangements and help lessen expenses, which could amount to US$9 million.

Rodolfo Tor is leaving for the provinces of Bacolod and Cebu within the next two weeks to look into the current security setup for the games.

SWe will ask other local security groups from the PNP, the Armed Forces of the Philippines to help so we can lessen our expenses,⬝ said Cojuangco.

Cojuangco will be in Beijing for a crucial meeting of the Olympic Council of Asia.

Meanwhile, officials of the SEA Games are currently discussing whether to ask to declare a holiday for the entire duration of the November 27 to December 5 meet.

The Olympic committee head is reportedly contemplating the issue as he wants the majority of Filipino people to go out of their way to support local athletes in their ambitious bid to win its first ever SEA Games overall championships.

(ThanhNien News)