Police beef up security in ports, bus terminals

CEBU, Philippines - Securities at the ports as well as in bus terminals are all set for the expected influx of passengers during the Holy Week.

Chief Supt. Ager Ontog, director of Police Regional Office-7, has personally conducted inspections in both north and south bus terminals and even the pier area to ensure that all security arrangements are in place.

Cebu Port Authority (CPA) officials said they will also implement strict security measures in the port area, particularly at the arrival and departure areas of domestic vessels, to secure them from possible criminal activities.

Retired Colonel Oscar Lopez, who heads the CPA security department, said they will beefup the number of security personnel if necessary.

According to Lopez, Port Police vehicles will be on continuous patrol. Lopez said the domestic and departure areas of the inter-island vessels are expected to be crowded with people who wish to go home to their respective provinces for the Holy Week.

 “We will ensure the safety of our port clients while they are within our jurisdiction,” Lopez said.

Selected taxi units that were accredited by the CPA can be allowed to enter into the port premises to drop or to pickup passengers.

Lopez clarified that the CPA officials are not authorizing any taxi drivers to collect additional amount from their passengers more than what is reflected in their meters.

To ensure the safety of the passengers, the CPA will install more X-ray machines in departure areas and will detail K-9 dogs.

Medical desks that will be manned by paramedics will be set up to respond should there be emergencies that need medical attention.

Public Assistance Centers manned by policemen are also set up at the ports and bus terminals to attend to passengers’ concerns.

Mandaue City Police Office director Noel Gillamac said he deployed 18 police officers to North Bus Terminal.

At least four personnel of the Special Weapons and Tactics (Swat) team were also deployed to check the baggage compartments of the buses shortly before they are allowed to leave the terminal.

K9 dogs and security guards equipped with metal detectors are also assigned to check each passenger, especially their bags.

 “The Philippine National Police has declared full alert starting yesterday (Saturday). We are all in the police stations ready to give assistance sa mga nagbabakasyon at sa mga tahanan nila,” Ontog said. — (FREEMAN)