APEC security practices to stay in city streets

CEBU, Philippines- The Cebu City Police Office is keeping the security deployment of its personnel during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings to ensure lower crime volume.

Superintendent Romeo Santander, chief of the Cebu City Intelligence Branch, said the deployment of personnel in the streets for visibility will remain although the APEC meetings are over.   

“Kun unsa ang na-practice sa APEC like ang personnel from stations should be on the field, dili na wad-on. The only difference is that policemen from other units are already gone,” said Santander.

Santander said the augmentation force from other provinces have been recalled since last week.

He admitted that the crime incidents in Metro Cebu have gone down by at least six percent during the APEC meetings because of the intensified police visibility.

During the first round of APEC meetings in Cebu, almost 3,000 police personnel were deployed in the streets for the security of the delegates.

According to Santander, the continued police visibility is also in line with the directive of PNP chief Director General Ricardo Marquez.

Santander said they will also tap the anti-mendicancy task force of the City Hall to help.

“Siguro it’s a matter of coordination, on what will be the final plan between us and the anti mendicancy group,” said Santander.

Santander said they have also identified the places where these lawless elements would usually stay and operate.

Santander said that since “Ber” months have already started and knowing that robbery incidents usually increase during these months, he said they are closely coordinating with the security officers of financial institutions and malls in the city.

He reminded the public to be very vigilant and always report to the police if they notice suspicious persons in their area.  (FREEMAN)