PNP reminds cops: No selfies during FIBA duty

Members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) who will be deployed during the FIBA World Cup are barred from taking "selfies" or photos with athletes and personalities of the international basketball competition.

According to a "24 Oras" report by Ian Cruz, the cops were reminded to remain focused on their duties of maintaining peace and order in the event.

At least 3,000 cops from the National Capital Region Police Office and Central Luzon Police will augment the teams of traffic enforcers and other personnel during the games.

No less than 2,000 participants, officials and staff from the basketball teams are currently in the country.

The opening ceremonies will be held at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan on Friday, August 25. The matches will be held at the MOA Arena in Pasay City and at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has warned motorists of the heavy traffic along the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) ahead of the start of the games.

Around 1,300 MMDA enforcers have been deployed to man the streets leading to the venues. In addition, some 200 NLEX personnel will be deployed at the Ciudad de Victoria Complex for a smooth traffic flow.

“Kami na rin po magma-manage temporarily for this event yung mga parking areas, yung mga road network sa loob ng Ciudad de Victoria,” Robin Ignacio, head of NLEX Traffic Operations Department, said.

The 6,000-capacity parking area of the arena, as well as nearby parking spaces in the Bocaue and Sta. Maria municipalities, have also been included in the traffic patrol route.

Motorists using private cars are reminded to have an RFID sticker as no cash lanes will be available at the Cuidad de Victoria exit tolls.

In an effort to lessen the flow of traffic, a truck bans will also be enforced in various schedules at Caloocan, Valenzuela, Meycauayan, Marilao, Sta Maria and Bocaue.

Basketball patrons are recommended to take the free P2P shuttle buses provided in 12 different locations in NCR, Bulacan and Pampanga.

No cars other than VIPs, delegates and P2P Buses will be allowed in the area past 5:30 p.m.

Malacanang earlier suspended classes at all levels in public schools and work in government offices in Metro Manila and Bulacan on August 25 for the FIBA opening ceremonies. —Jiselle Anne Casucian/LDF, GMA Integrated News