Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 13) — Police are beefing up preparations to ensure the security of thousands of fans expected to attend Britney Spears’ concert on Thursday.
According to National Capital Region Police Office Director Oscar Albayalde, “We cannot take this for granted. Kailangan talaga nating magprepare with all that is happening not only here in the Philippines but all over the world.”
[Translation: We cannot take this for granted, We really have to prepare with all that is happening not only here in the Philippines, but all over the world.]
Up to 10,000 fans are expected to flock to the pop superstar’s first concert in the country. Police are making sure security in all areas aound the Mall of Asia complex will be tight.
These preparations come in the wake of the attack at Ariana Grande’s concert in Manchester where 23 people, mostly young fans, were killed, and the recent Resorts World Manila incident where 38 people perished.
The police are expected to be fully visible in their battle gear and riot shields as it secures the concert grounds.
Foot patrols and mobile units will roam the venue the entire day.
Police will get additional support from special response units with long firearms, while K-9 units and security guards will jointly inspect vehicles.
Highly trained canines will prevent the entry of illegal drugs such as ecstasy to prevent a repeat of the tragic Forever Summer concert last year, where five concertgoers died of party drug overdose.
Firetrucks will also be on standby, including a customized van to quickly respond to any chemical or nuclear attack.
Top Metro Manila officials inspected the venue and conducted a security run-thru from where the audience will queue and enter the concert grounds right up to the dome where Britney Spears will perform.
Backpacks will be banned from the venue and inspections will be thorough.
Albayalde said, “So tutulong na yung ating mga kapulisan sa pagsesearch para hindi nga magkatrapik-trapik or hindi mabagal yung pagpasok ng ating mga manonood.”
[Translation: Policemen will be helping in the search so there will be no delays in letting concertgoers in.]
Police will also man the security camera room and armed personnel will be deployed at all entrances.
Both the police and Mall of Asia security assure the public that sufficient security measures are in place for the event.
Concert organizer Paul Aquino said, “Actually ni-ratio nanamin yan [the ratio we came up with] is one is to 42 for the whole security forces and friendly forces na tutulong din sa event na ito [who will help at this event].”
Concertgoers are advised to arrive earlier than six in the evening to avoid inconvenience during inspection.
