By CHRIS V. PANGANIBAN
SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur — As thousands of athletes, coaches, officials and supporters converge in Caraga for the 2026 Palarong Pambansa, the Police Regional Office 13 (PRO13) has declared full operational readiness ahead of the formal opening ceremonies on May 24 at the Gov. D.O. Plaza Sports Complex.
In a statement issued Friday, PRO13 Regional Director PBGen. Marcial Mariano P. Magistrado IV said police units across the region have been placed on heightened alert to ensure the safe, orderly and peaceful conduct of the country’s premier national school sports competition.
More than 16,000 delegates from 18 regions nationwide have begun arriving in Caraga, prompting authorities to activate a comprehensive security and public safety plan covering competition venues, billeting quarters, transportation hubs, tourist destinations and other major convergence areas.
“We remain fully committed to ensuring that every athlete, delegate and visitor experiences a peaceful, secure and memorable Palarong Pambansa here in Caraga,” Magistrado said.
PRO13 has deployed 2,316 police personnel from various operational units to secure playing venues and billeting areas, manage traffic and routes, conduct checkpoint operations, maintain mobile and foot patrols, and provide tourist assistance throughout the duration of the games.
The security deployment is being reinforced by 355 personnel from partner agencies, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Bureau of Fire Protection, local government units, disaster response offices and other force multipliers.
Authorities have also tapped 990 volunteers from PRO13 advisory groups, particularly Barangay Peace Action Teams, to assist in maintaining peace and order in areas hosting sporting events and delegates.
To further strengthen security coverage, PRO13 has mobilized 111 mobility assets and activated specialized units, including Special Weapons and Tactics teams and Explosive Ordnance Disposal and K9 units, which are conducting continuous inspections and security sweeps in high-traffic locations.
Police visibility operations will remain round-the-clock, with at least 55 Police Assistance Desks established in event venues and strategic areas to provide immediate response and public assistance.
Ahead of the opening rites, Magistrado conducted a series of inspections and security assessments with local police chiefs and local chief executives in Agusan del Sur to ensure that all security and preparedness measures meet operational standards.
The 2026 Palarong Pambansa is expected to draw thousands of spectators and participants from across the country, with organizers highlighting not only athletic excellence but also Caraga’s readiness, hospitality and capability to host one of the Philippines’ largest sporting events.
###
