Bacolod city: The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) has intensified security measures as the city hosts the FIBA U18 Women's Asia Cup Southeast Asia Basketball Association (SEABA) Qualifiers 2026 at the STI-West Negros University Gym from June 2 to 6.

According to Philippines News Agency, starting Monday, 369 police personnel have been deployed to the games venue, billeting in hotels and the Bacolod City Government Center grounds to ensure a safe and secure staging of the international sports event. The event will see participation from teams representing the Philippines, Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia, which have started arriving in the city ahead of the opening ceremony scheduled for Tuesday.

City Administrator Mark Mayo stated that the city government is committed to providing tight security for the event, which is expected to draw 300 delegates from the five participating countries. Mayo mentioned that there are strict security measures in place, including convoys from the airport and standby police personnel in hotels. Police officers will accompany the teams and delegates wherever they go.

In a statement, Mayor Greg Gasataya emphasized that hosting the FIBA U18 SEABA qualifiers aligns with the city government's strategic agenda to position Bacolod as the country's premier center for sports tourism and development. Gasataya noted that events of this scale bring direct economic benefits to local businesses and enhance the city's national and global reputation.

Mayor Gasataya expressed gratitude to the Federation Internationale de Basketball (FIBA), the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, and the Philippine Sports Commission, led by Chairperson Patrick Gregorio, for their trust in Bacolod as a host city.