PRO-7 beefs up Lenten, summer break security

CEBU, Philippines - With the anticipated influx of domestic and international tourists, the Police Regional Office-7 is beefing up its security in preparation for the observance of the Holy Week and summer vacation.

The PRO-7 is declaring a heightened alert this weekend and full alert on Wednesday.

Sr. Supt. Edward Carranza, chief of staff of the PRO-7 Regional Directorial Staff, said all plans for the Holy Week are now ready for implementation.

He said PRO-7 Director, Chief Supt. Danilo Constantino, had ordered to place the region on heightened alert status.

He said “gone are the days that they (police) can say that they are there but actually they are not,” adding that they will be checking the grounds.

He said “there is nothing new” in the police security preparations this year but they are just strengthening the police presence in bus terminals, sea ports, airport and other terminals.

Senior Insp. Ma. Theresa Macatangay of the Regional Intelligence Division said they are continuously monitoring criminal gangs and other lawless groups who would take advantage of the observance of the Holy Week and summer vacation.

Police officials have deployed covert operatives to various areas identified as possible targets of criminal elements.

Regional Investigation Detective Management Division-7 chief, Sr. Supt Rey Lyndon Lawas, said they also directed provincial and city directors to increase the number of personnel in the field for immediate response.

He said the Province of Cebu has enough investigators who have finished formal training and could act as first responders to the crime.

Supt. Resty Santos of the Cebu Provincial Police Office said they have laid out security platforms both in northern and southern parts of Cebu since March.

He said they have directed all police stations in the province to put up police assistance centers particularly in places of convergence to prevent crimes and provide security response.

Cebu City Police Office deputy chief for administration, Supt. Arnel Banzon, said they have deployed majority of their personnel across the city, citing the influx of passengers at bus terminals and sea ports bound to and from different provinces.

He reported that last year, there were only isolated cases of theft in these areas due to increased police presence.

Mandaue City Police Office deputy director for operations, Supt. Crisaleo Tolentino, said they also expected to have a lean season in Mandaue City similar to Cebu City with more locals going back to their hometowns.

He said they also put up police assistance centers at bus terminal, churches, malls, seaports and restaurants.

He said the Bantay Mandaue Command Center is readily available for the public to respond to emergency services. Mandaue City also has motorcycle cops and closed circuit television cameras installed within the city.

Supt. Percival Zorrilla of the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office said they have established 20 public assistance centers at jeepney and van-for-hire terminals, wharfs, churches and airport.

They also set up tourist assistance desks in tourist destinations and coordinated with hotels and resorts in the city for security.

There are also motorist and passenger assistance centers strategically located at the foot of the two bridges.  (FREEMAN)