Rio bets to go thru security briefings

In the aftermath of yet another terror attack in France, members of the Philippine delegation to the Rio Olympics will undergo security briefing to make sure they’re aware of and ready for any potential threat during the Games.

Joey Romasanta, the chef-demission of the Philippine delegation, yesterday said Filipino athletes and officials who will be in Rio way ahead of the Aug. 5 opening will be provided with a list of “dos and don’ts” for them to observe and follow.

“Terrorism comes in many forms. You have to be imaginative. In major events like the Olympics, security is always a concern,” said Romasanta.

The Philippine delegation leaves for Rio on July 23, earlier than what is required, to give the athletes ample time to recover from jetlag, get a feel of the environment and adjust themselves to the new surroundings.

But while there’s time to move around while waiting for the competitions to begin, Romasanta said members of the delegation will be told to stay put inside the Athletes Village.

“They will be briefed on security during the Games,” said Romasanta, adding that Gen. Benjamin Espiritu, a consultant for the POC, and Col. Jeff Tamayo, POC second vice president and head of the Philippine Soft Tennis Association, will preside over the briefing.

Espiritu is the commander of the 7th Marine Brigade (Reserve) while Tamayo, a member of the Philippine Army, served the Presidential Security Group for then President Joseph Estrada.

Romasanta said members of the Philippine delegation will be told to refrain from being on their own especially at night, and will be required to inform officials of their whereabouts 24/7.