For Holiday Rush: North Bus terminal secured

The Police Regional Office-7 is ready with its plans to secure the North Bus Terminal that is expected to be jam-packed with passengers heading home to the provinces for the holidays.

During the recent Regional Law Enforcement Coordinating Council meeting, regional police director Ronald Roderos said they are planning to set up security cameras in key areas and deploy bomb-sniffing dogs at the North Bus Terminal in Mandaue City to ensure the safety of the riding public from any threats or attacks.

Roderos said that they will request the Office of the Ombudsman to lend them the security cameras used during the ASEAN Summit here last January and should be able to set them up by December 15.

Mandaue City police chief Rodel Calungsod has yet to determine how many security cameras are needed and where they should be placed.

Roderos said they will also request the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency to field specially-trained dogs to sniff for bombs and drugs.

During the meeting it was Calungsod who brought up the need to install security cameras in sensitive areas at the terminal.  He also suggested systematic entrance and exit passageways for passengers coming in and out of the terminal.

Public assistance service desks will also be set up.

Calungsod added that his office is coordinating with the board of the North Bus Terminal to carry out the security recommendations.   — Phoebe Jen Indino/BRP