800 more cops to secure holidays

CEBU, Philippines - The Police Regional Office-7 is eyeing of deploying at least 800 policemen to various areas in the province to augment police visibility during the holidays.

Sr. Supt. Louie Oppus, Deputy Regional Director for Operations, said they are now just waiting for the other 280 recruits that will graduate this month. Recently, 523 new police recruits have taken their oath.

Oppus said he will ask the Regional Training School in Balamban to allow the 280 recruits to graduate earlier – this week – than the scheduled graduation on December 16. The recruits are currently on training.

“Instead on 16, better this weekend so they could serve our cities and municipalities,” Oppus said during the Talakayan sa Isyung Pulis forum yesterday.

Police Regional Director General Marcelo Garbo challenged the recruits to be a new breed of law enforcers who embody the ideals of public trust. He said they should be truthful servants and protectors of the community.

Oppus said the deployment of personnel will focus on areas wherein police visibility is highly needed.

He also challenged all city directors and provincial directors in Region VII to make sure that the crime rate in CV will not skyrocket during the holidays.

“We have to find ways and means to reduce the crime rate during Christmas and we would like to enforce the law as law enforcers,” he said.

Provincial Police Director Sr. Supt. Patrocinio Comendador said the police have anticipated the influx of Overseas Filipino Workers and tourists who will return home for the holidays and are preparing to make their stay safe. (FREEMAN)