PNP all set to secure PH Olympians' homecoming, parade

MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) has laid out security measures for the homecoming of the country's team from the just-concluded Paris Olympics.

In a statement Tuesday, PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) had been tasked to maintain peace and order for the return of the Philippine Olympic team.

"We are now preparing to give them a heroes' welcome. So on the part of the PNP, we will make sure to provide an appropriate number of personnel to provide security during the homecoming of our Filipino athletes," Fajardo said.

The team has departed Dubai and is en route to Manila. It is expected to arrive in the country on Tuesday night.

Upon arrival, the Filipino Olympians will be received by their families at the Maharlika Airbase before going to Malacañang where President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Aranata-Marcos will welcome them.

As announced by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) on Monday, a 7.7-kilometer motorcade of the Olympic team will traverse the cities of Manila and Pasay on Wednesday afternoon.

The parade will begin just outside the Aliw Theater in Pasay and will pass through Roxas Boulevard, Padre Burgos Avenue, Finance Road, Taft and Quirino Avenues, and Adriatico Street before it ends at Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

Gymnastics sensation Carlos Edriel Yulo headlined the Philippine campaign as he won two gold medals.

Boxers Aira Villegas and Nesthy Petecio bagged bronzes to add to the Philippine medal haul.

Nearly climbing the podium were pole vaulter EJ Obiena and golfer Bianca Pagdanganan, who both finished fourth.

At 37th overall, the Philippines was the top-performing Southeast Asian team in the Summer Olympics for the second straight season. (PNA)