As safe as possible - Philippines to deploy around 4,400 law enforcers during FIBA World Cup

Brazil's Bruno Caboclo (right) lays up as Australia's Josh Giddey attempts to block during the international friendly basketball match between Australia and Brazil in Melbourne on August 16, 2023, in preparation for the 2023 Philippines-Japan-Indonesia FIBA Basketball World Cup. - AFP

MANILA (Xinhua): The Philippines will deploy around 4,400 law officers in the capital Manila and its adjacent province to ensure the safety of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, a spokesperson for the Philippine National Police said on Friday.

Police Colonel Jean Fajardo said the security force comprises personnel from the Philippine National Police, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine Coast Guard, and the Philippine Red Cross.

The 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup will take place in the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia from August 25 to September 10. The Philippines will host 16 teams, including China and the United States, during the group phase.

All final phase games will also be held in the Philippines.

Fajardo said FIBA participants had begun arriving on Thursday.

"We already have a soft deployment at the airport and the buildings where the participants and the delegates are billeted to ensure their safety."

Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos has ordered the suspension of classes in public schools at all levels and work in government offices in Metro Manila and adjacent province on August 25. - Xinhua