CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Police Office goes on red alert status today with the fight today between boxing sensation Manny Pacquiao and “Sugar” Shane Mosley.
CCPO director Melvin Ramon Buenafe said crime incidents tremendously decrease whenever Pacquiao fights, but they will not be lenient.
“Like his last game, very peaceful ang syudad, in some areas zero crime incidents. And ang traffic hawan kaayo, but we will not get lax,” Buenafe told reporters.
With the raised status, mobile patrol police and policemen in all 11 police stations under CCPO will go on roving patrols on the city’s streets and major thoroughfares especially in areas where people congregate to watch the fight.
Buenafe said he will also put up a pay-per-view system at the headquarters.
“Para in case of emergency, intact ang atong personnel. At least may ready force,” Buenafe said.
He also reminded everyone, including establishment owners, to secure their places.
Meanwhile, Cebu Provincial Police Office director Patrocinio Comendador warned those who bet on the match to be careful not to get into a fight over the results so as not to face appropriate charges.
“It is in the law but they have to make sure nga dili sila ma-filan og illegal gambling sa complainant labi na physical injuries,” Comendador said.
He also encourages all his on-duty personnel to just watch the replay telecast of Pacquiao-Mosley fight rather than watching it live.
During the fight, Comendador wants the PNP to secure first their area of responsibility by conducting checkpoints and provide police visibility.
He added, he will be providing teams in the mid-north and in the mid-south as well as checkpoints in the metro area. — Niña G. Sumacot and Ria Mae Y. Booc/BRP (FREEMAN)