(Eagle News) – Philippine Southeast Asia (SEA) Games organizers reminded those who will be watching the 30th SEA Games opening ceremonies on Saturday, Nov. 30, as well as other SEA Games events, not to bring any of the items they have prohibited during the event for security reasons.
The Philippine Sea Games Organizational Committee (Phisgoc) chaired by House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano has issued a “clear bag policy” for the SEA Games opening to be held inside the 55,000-seater Philippine Arena, as well as for the other games to be held in other sporting event venues.
The following items are not allowed:
– weapons (ex. guns and knives);
– sharp objects of any kind (ex. umbrella);
– bottles, cups, jugs and cans including glass bottles, any container made out of plastic and hard cooler boxes;
– flammable objects including aerosols, perfume, gas spray, and dyes;
– large bulky objects (defined as objects too large to be placed under the seats) such as ladders, stools, folding chairs, boxes and paperboard containers, coolers;
– pyrotechnic paraphernalia (firecrackers, canisters, bombs, matches, lighters, cigarettes and vapes);
– stimulants (alcoholic beverage, drugs);
– animals such as pets
– banners or flags exceeding 3 feet by 5 feet;
– flagpoles (that exceed 1 meter);
– propaganda, including ideological, racist, and xenophobic material
– inflatables
– sports equipment
– balls and other possible projectiles
– large quantities of paper
– noise-making instruments (ex. airhorns, drums, megaphones, whistles, bugles)
– laser pointers
– video camera
– camera extenders like selfie sticks, tripods
– drones
– and food and beverages from outside
PHISGOC also said that only see-through bags which do not go beyond 12” x 6” x 12” will be allowed as the SEA Games will implement a Clear Bag Policy.
Only small clutch bags not exceeding 4.5” x 6.5” with or without strap, as well clear storage bags, such as Ziploc bags, are allowed, according to a Facebook post of the SEA Games organizer.
PHISGOC said that they are not allowing backpacks, tinted plastic, fanny packs, suitcases, purses, camera cases, duffle bags, and any printed bags.
“With more than 11,000 athletes and officials from 11 countries for the SEA Games as well as the thousands more who will watch the games live, we adopted these added measures to ensure the safety and security of participants and fans,” stressed PHISGOC chief operating officer Ramon “Tats” Suzara earlier.
“We have to be extra careful considering the size and scope of the 30th SEA Games,” explained Suzara, citing the 56 sports spread over the numerous arenas in Metro Manila, Cavite, Batangas, Bulacan, Pampanga, La Union and Zambales.
Fans have been forewarned not to bring backpacks because these items will not be allowed inside the sports venues, according to Suzara.
National Capitol Region police chief, Brig. Gen. Debold Sinas, reiterated this reminder during a press briefing held early this week.
-P2P buses available-
Point-to-point (P2P) buses will be made available to transport those who would want to watch the SEA Games opening ceremonies with designated pick-up points at Ayala Malls Clover Leaf (five buses) leaving at 9 a.m. (first trip) with a one way fare of P100; SM Mall of Asia, specifically at the Seaside Blvd Northbound between Sunset Ave, and Palm Coast leaving at 9 a.m. (first trip) and with a one-way fare of P150; PITX or the Paranaque Integrated Terminal Exchange leaving at 9 a.m. (first trip) and with a one-way fare of P150; Trinoma leaving at 9 a.m. (first trip) and with a one-way fare of P100; and SM City Clark leaving at 12 noon (first trip) and with a one-way fare of P100.