PH delegation not taking chances even as Brazil army beefs up Athletes Village security

RIO DE JANEIRO—Security has been tight inside the Athletes’ Village to ensure the safety of the athletes, including the Philippine delegation.

Armed forces staff from Brazil have been spotted inside to ensure the safety of the athletes competing in the Olympics, a move that is no longer a surprise for Philippine Olympic Committee second vice president Jeff Tamayo.

“Hindi naman ako na-surpise na fully armed special forces nandito mismo sa loob ng Athletes' Village. Kita rin natin ‘yung iba’t ibang klaseng levels of security,” said Tamayo, the security chief of the Philippine delegation for the Olympics.

Tamayo compared the level of security in place in the Athletes Village to Malacañang.

“’Yung security, parang Malacanang ba na lahat ng dapat ilagay na security, dapat nandyan. Pati ‘yung safety ng pagkain, hindi lang ‘yung physical security ‘yan, pati ‘yung pagkain, control na control,” said Tamayo.

A total of 85,000 personnel will be on hand to provide security for the Olympic Games here.

Tamayo, however, reminded the Filipino athletes to stay vigilant despite the safety measures being done by the organizers, especially if they are going outside the Athletes’ Village.

“Athletes and coaches should do their part. They have to appreciate the limitations of security. It’s really a nightmare kasi bawat atleta, babantayan. Konting mali lang talaga or may mangyari, may impact na siya,” said Tamayo.

“Eto palang ‘yung security in place, eh papaano ‘yung mga turista. May extra security, but they don’t have the luxury of security that we have in our protected area,” said Tamayo.-spin.ph