An official of the Philippine National Police allayed fears of the public regarding threat for the upcoming Miss Universe 2016.
On Tuesday, an official of the PNP said there is no direct threat monitored in connection with the staging of the Miss Universe in country this month.
“As far as direct threat, as of now, we don’t have any direct threats concerning the staging of [the] Miss Universe pageant. The monitoring is continuous,” Senior Supt. Emmanuel Licup, staff for operations of the Security Task Force for Miss Universe 2016, said.
According to Licup, an intelligence center will be put up “so that intelligence exchange will happen in that center.”
Since the Miss Universe pageant is an international event, Licup admitted it will be a good platform for terrorist groups to stage an attack, however, “ the PNP will make sure that none of these things will happen during the staging of this pageant.”
“All eyes will be on the Philippines, rightfully we will take this opportunity to showcase the country as a tourist destination. Not only that, the peace and order situation of the country will be highlighted,” he said.
In Metro Manila alone, 1,300 personnel will be deployed in Metro Manila to provide security. Licup said the deployment of personnel in the provinces where ancillary events will be held will depend on the decision of the regional director.
“It depends on their appreciation on how much in terms of human resource and equipment will be employed,” he said.
The 1,300 will include onboard security, billeting for the four hotels where the more or less 247 candidates, board of jurors, entertainers, organizers, and their families will be staying.
“Of the 1,300, we have the PSPG (Police Security and Protection Group) for most of the provision of the close-in security. The HPG (Highway Patrol Group) because the convoy runs from the airport to the hotels, hotels to ancillary events, hotels to other places of engagements like Intramuros, Manila Hotel, Solaire, among others. Of course we need to move these contestants and organizers, along with their chaperones and make up artists,” he said.
Aside from the regular force of the PNP, the Aviation Security Group, Licup added is also involved in coordination with the airport authorities, with the help of the intelligence group and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.
Licup said that instructions were already in place for the security detail before the Miss Universe.
