DAVAO CITY — The 13th Siargao International Game Fisihing competition oficially started this morning, April 21.
Surigao del Norte Representative Francisco Joe Matugas II, in a media interview said more than 60 professional anglers from different countries have registered for the event.
Competing anglers arrived for the four-day tournament which resumes three years after it was cancelled by the pandemic. Tourists and game fishing enthusiasts have also begun to arrive, Matugas said.
“All systems go, despite some minor problems that we encountered because of the pandemic,” Matugas said. “There is no place like Siargao and we Siargaonons are extremely blessed to have this piece of paradise as our home,” Matugas added.
Some 100 police personnel were deployed on Thursday to secure the 13th Siargao International Game Fishing Tournament in Surigao del Norte.
The 13th Siargao International Game Fishing Tournament will take place from April 20–24, 2023 on Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte.
Surigao del Norte Provincial Director, Police Colonel Laudemer M Laude saidthe 110 uniformed police were deployed today to strategic areas to monitor and protect every guests.
“This is to ensure the tournament participants’ and spectators’ safety and security in Pilar town, Siargao Island,” Laude said.
Laude directed all Siargao Chiefs of Police to ramp up security operations during and after the game fishing tournament.
“We expect an influx of tourists, foreign and local guests, and local and international anglers participating in this special event,” Laude added.
Laude added that PNP personnel, in coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Army, local government units, and other law enforcement agencies, will provide traffic management, crowd control, and additional logistical support to ensure the safety and security of tournament participants and spectators.
The Task Force “Tuna” will randomly inspect checkpoints to ensure adherence to safety regulations.
“The Surigao del Norte Police is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all participants and spectators to ensure the safety of everyone,” Laude added.
“We urge everyone to cooperate with the authorities and follow safety protocols to ensure the success of this event. And we will triumphantly achieve safe and secure coverage with the security plans laid out by our task force,” Laude said.
