BOCAUE, Bulacan—More than 600 police and traffic personnel will be deployed along the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) near the Philippine Arena inside the Ciudad De Victoria in this town for the opening today August 25 of the FIBA Basketball World Cup.
Bulacan Police Director Col. Rely Arnedo said 409 policemen will be detailed as early as 9:00 a.m. to man the traffic, parking areas and security of the guests in and outside the Ciudad de Victoria grounds.
Around 200 NLEX traffic patrollers and incident response teams will also assist regular motorists including those bound to Philippine Arena.
NLEX officials advised motorists particularly those using the Ciudad de Victoria en route to Sta. Maria and going to Metro Manila to take Marilao, Bocaue and Tambubong exits as hundreds of basketball fans and enthusiasts are expected to flock to Philippine Arena to watch the game. They also advised motorists to allot more time allowance for their travel via the NLEX and use their Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) to avoid long lane queues.
NLEX also installs road directions and signage to guide the motorists. P2P shuttle services going to and out of the Philippine Arena will also be provided starting at 11:00 am until 5:00 pm.
The following are the pick up and drop off points using P2P buses. PITX Bus Terminal, Mall of Asia Arena, One Ayala Bus Terminal, BGC Market Market Bus Terminal, SM Megamall, Araneta City, Trinoma, SM North, Clover Leaf Ayala Mall Bus Terminal, SM Baliuag, SM Pampanga and SM Clark.
NLEX also advised the opening of the Philippine Rena gate at 12:00 noon and all the access and opening leading to this will be closed by 5:30 pm. Only the P2P buses and vehicles with valid access and parking permits will be allowed entry.
Vehicles will only be allowed to park in designated areas inside Philippine Arena and in additional parking areas in Bocaue and Sta. Maria bypass.
Bulacan Governor Daniel R. Fernando expressed his elation that the Bulacan is the venue of this year’s exciting international sports event and warmly welcome all the delegates from around the world.
“Witnessing world-class athletes compete in our hometown is a source of pride and excitement. This event will showcase the vibrant spirit of sportsmanship and unity, leaving an indelible mark on our community. I am grateful to all who made this possible and look forward to the unforgettable matches ahead. Let’s continue to celebrate the power of sports to bring people together,” Fernando said.
With the Philippines being the main host along with Japan and Indonesia, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, Japan Basketball Association, and the Indonesian Basketball Association were selected to lead the tournament.
The 55,000 seat capacity of the Philippine Arena being the world’s largest indoor arena is expected to be all taken by delegates and participants from around the globe including the hundreds of local and international basketball enthusiasts.
The Group A doubleheader includes the first-round match between Angola and Italy at 4:00 PM and Dominican Republic and The Philippines at 8:00 PM accordingly. With reports from the Bulacan Provincial Government Extension Affairs Department
