Police to reactivate 'Oplan Universe'

CEBU, Philippines - As part of the security measures this Christmas season, the Cebu City Police Office will be reactivating the “Oplan Universe.”

CCPO director Melvin Ramon Buenafe yesterday met with other police office directors and chiefs of police in Metro Cebu for his plan to reactivate the Oplan Universe in the city.

He said the reactivation of the Oplan Universe is part of their preparation in maintaining peace and security in the city during the yuletide season.

Buenafe added they are also enhancing their drag net operations through Oplan Universe.

During yesterday’s meeting, the directors and chief of police of the respective police offices and police stations presented the choke points in their areas where they would immediately establish checkpoints after receiving alarm on suspects entering their area of jurisdiction.

“So maayo ang security cordon sa Cebu kay coordinated na man,” Buenafe said, adding they will be conducting a dry run soon following the reactivation. For his part, Cebu Provincial Police Office director Erson Digal said he is willing to cooperate if the plan materializes.

According to him, it would be of great help in solving crimes in the province and in the city especially during the onset of yuletide season.

Digal said Oplan Universe will serve as a link between Talisay Police Station and Minglanilla Police Station in the southern part of the province and Consolacion Police Station and Liloan Police Station in the north. The same with Lapu-Lapu City Police Station, Mandaue City Police Station and Cebu City Police Office.

Digal said that through the OU, they could easily arrest any suspect plying for northern and southern Cebu or even planning to go out from the province by blocking the possible exits.

“If mulabang paingon Lapu-Lapu naa’y makabantay same with the other police points,” he said.

Digal said they will also create the Cebu Provincial and Tactical Operation Center (CPTOC) which will be based in CPPO.

CPTOC will serve as the sender of radio messages to the different police units in order to have a fully coordinated operation.

Digal also assures to send personnel from the Regional Mobile Group (RMG) and Provincial Mobile Group (PMG) to Cebu City during Sinulog to assist the CCPO in maintaining peace and order during the celebration. (FREEMAN)