SECURITY will be tight for the IronMan 70.3 Philippines Asia-Pacific Championship.
That doesn’t mean, however, that participants will have their fun curtailed during the Ironman week. After all, Cebu’s hosting of the premier international race has been noted for its festive and jovial atmosphere.
Lapu-Lapu City Police Director Senior Supt. Romel Cabagnot says a 1,500-strong security force will be deployed for the meet including 100 augmentation force from the Regional Public Safety Battalion (RPSB), 114 from the Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO), 52 from the Philippine Air Force, 31 from the Philippine Navy, 13 from the Bureau of Fire Protection, 15 from the Philippine Coast Guard, 17 from the PNP Maritime Office, 190 barangay tanods from Lapu-Lapu City, 40 from Lapu-Lapu’s Task Force Motorsiklo, 210 police interns, 513 from the Lapu-Lapu City Police and around 200 from Mandaue City.
Though there were no intelligence reports on possible terroristic acts that might occur during the event, the police are not leaving anything to chance especially since top international triathletes are competing.
Security will also be provided to Ironman participants upon their arrival starting on the 4th of August and in their billeting areas in Lapu-Lapu City.
Constant patrolling has been visible since last Sunday when the Ironman organizers and stakeholders conducted a “Bike Out” where 500 cyclists tested the bike route from Shangri-La Mactan up to Talisay City and back.
Police will also help man traffic on race day when some roads in Lapu-Lapu City will be closed. The Marcelo Fernan Bridge will also be closed from 4 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The lane leading to the airport coming from Cebu City and Mandaue City will be open but passengers are advised to plan trips early.
Traffic advisories have been disseminated through news reports, social media and a mobile public address system roaming around reminding people not to cross roads covered by the route while the race is ongoing and to keep their domestic animals, hogs, cattle and dogs out of the route.
Around 50,000 students will line the streets to cheer while 100 colorful vintas will dot the Mactan Channel.