Strict security measures to be imposed

To maintain peace and order on all the sporting events, the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (Phisgoc) set a Clear Bag policy for the spectators who will be watching at the game venues of the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.

According to the committee, each person is limited to only one (1) plastic, vinyl or PVC bag, a transparent storage bag (which can be a one-gallon freezer bag, Ziploc bag or similar), or a small strapless clutch that do not exceed 4.5” in height and 6.5” in width.

Other kinds of bags such as backpacks, fanny packs, suitcases, purses, or duffle bags are strictly prohibited.

Apart from the mentioned, here is the list of the other prohibited items inside the game venues.

Venue security has the right to search all carried items, and confiscate any prohibited item upon entry.

Meanwhile, SEA Games Federation Council announced a new rule for the Philippine hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian Games which unfolds today at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan.

SEA Games Executive Committee Chairman Celso Dayrit said that upon the initiative of SEA Games Federation and Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, a bronze medal will be awarded even if there are only three countries entered in an event.

“The current rule is, if for instance in boxing, only 3 countries are entered in a certain weight category, only a gold and a silver medal are to be awarded. The third placer gets nothing,” said Dayrit.

Tolentino had emphasized that the Games are supposed to be “about the athletes. So why penalize an athlete who sacrifices, trains and participates, places third and is deprived of a medal because other countries withdrew at the last minute? That’s not his fault.”

With support from all the member countries, the exemption from the current rule was sponsored by Prof. Charoen Watanasim of Thailand and approved unanimously.