Amid threats to Olympics, Pinoys reminded: Be alert

RIO DE JANEIRO – Members of the Philippine delegation, from the athletes, coaches and a handful of  officials, were reminded of what to do and what not to do in case any untoward incident happens during the staging of the 2016 Olympics.

Chef-de-mission Jose Romasanta called everybody to a meeting Friday evening at the Philippine quarters on Building 2 of the massive Athletes Villlage.

He wanted to make sure they were all on the same page as this Summer Olympics pushes through amid threats on security, among others.

“Presence of mind is always most important. Security will always be a problem when over 200 countries congregate. So, be aware and be prepared for anything that might happen,” he said.

Col. Jeff Tamayo of the Philippine Olympic Committee, a former officer of the Presidential Security Group, also issued some advice just in case anything goes wrong.

“Never keep your guard down. As we gather at the stadium, we need to identify a safe haven for us, a place where we will meet in case something happens,” he said.

News of a fire that broke out at the basement of the Australian quarters inside the Athletes Village Friday caught everybody’s attention, including that of the Philippine delegation.

The incident took place before sunrise and forced the evacuation of the Australian delegates, who were vocal about the failure of organizers to provide them with adequate living facilities.

Reports have quoted an Australian sports official as saying that their quarters inside the Athletes Village of 31 condominium buildings were “uninhabitable.”

The fire, apparently, was caused by workers who smoked cigarettes despite the area being pronounced as a “no-smoking zone.”

Fortunately, no one was hurt during the rubbish fire that was quickly put under control.

Media concerns were also raised during the meeting, and athletes, coaches and officials were told to make themselves available to the media as long as it doesn’t interfere with their training.

Philippine media seeking live interviews from back home will have to be the ones to adjust their desired schedule and not the other way around.

“They must be reminded that there’s a 13-hour time difference between Rio and Manila. What is early in the evening in Manila may be too early in the morning here,” said the chef-de-mission.

“We don’t need to wake the athletes up at five or six in the morning for an interview,” he added.

Lastly, Romasanta reminded the athletes of the message from President Duterte before the delegation left Manila for Rio de Janeiro.

“Just give your best,” was the President’s message.

“You have already made the country proud by being here. So, don’t pressure yourself. Medals will come as a matter of course. Just give your best and enjoy the moment,” said Romasanta.