Cops start patrol today

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama ordered police visibility in crime-prone areas starting today until the end of the long holiday. Rama called a command conference yesterday afternoon with all station chiefs and Cebu City Police Director Melvin Ramon Buenafe.

Rama said the long holiday is usually the time that burglars and other bad elements strike since most are out of their homes and away in the province.

Rama specifically ordered to detail policemen in commercial areas where there are banks, pawnshops and money changers, among others that are attractive to burglars.

“I urge the public to be over vigilant. Make sure that your homes are guarded,” the mayor said.

He said that maintaining peace and order in the city during the holiday must be a collective effort between the police, the barangay and the public. He said barangays must field their tanods.

Rama also ordered the police to tighten security inside cemeteries. He said security measures such as frisking before people will be allowed entry at the cemetery might be necessary to avoid smuggling of bladed weapons, firearms and other contrabands. —/FPL (FREEMAN)