Police beef up security measures for summer

CEBU, Philippines —  In anticipation of the influx of tourists coming over the summer vacation, the local police have intensified their security measures under Oplan SUMVAC (Summer Vacation), with a sufficient number of tourist police now deployed across Cebu.

In the Province of Cebu, the Cebu Police Provincial Office (CPPO) has bolstered its operational efforts across tourist destinations in both northern and southern towns, where local and foreign tourists often flock to beaches, waterfalls, mountains, caves, among others.

According to Police Major Sam Dacullo, information officer of CPPO, a sufficient number of personnel from tourist police units have been deployed to maintain peace and order in tourist spots across the province.

He told THE FREEMAN that even before Holy Week, the provincial police had already been preparing directives and deployment plans in relation to the enforcement of Oplan SUMVAC for this year.

Although there is no specific total number of tourist police deployed, Dacullo assured that it is sufficient to man each destination, ensure strong police visibility, and help prevent potential crimes.

He also stressed that one of the responsibilities of the tourist police is to remind tourists to take care of themselves, especially when swimming in any bodies of water, to prevent the occurrence of drowning incidents.

“Ang atong kapulisan wala magkulang sa pagpahimagno, sa mga reminders, mga safety tips nga ato ipahigayon sa mga areas diin naa tay naka-deploy nga mga tourist police,” said Dacullo.

Dacullo also urged the public to be careful with themselves, their belongings, as well as those driving along the roads to enjoy their vacation.

“Instead na malipay ta sa pagkahimoon na bakasyon, murag mahasol nuon ta kung di ta mosunod sa mga lagda nga angay natong sundon,” he said.

Meanwhile, in highly urbanized areas like Cebu City, the police are also beefing up their security measures at hotels, resorts, transport terminals, and seaports.

For their part, the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) has begun deploying its personnel to various areas throughout the city in accordance with Oplan SUMVAC, which began on March 29 and will end on May 31.

According to CCPO spokesperson Police Lieutenant Colonel Franco Rudolf Oriol, an adequate number of police personnel will again be deployed to renowned tourist destinations in the city following the successful deployment in religious sites during Holy Week.

“Ang atong deployment, particular ngadto sa mga hotels, resorts, tourist spots, apil na niana atong mga terminals ug mga sea ports para pagpasiguro nga luwas ang atong mga bakasyonista—mga local o foreign tourists—nga mubisita ug mugawas ngadto sa isla sa Cebu ug ngadto sa nagkalain-laing probinsya,” Oriol said in a separate interview.

Overall, both the CPPO and CCPO are all set for the implementation of Oplan SUMVAC in Cebu, where the public is assured of a safer and more enjoyable vacation this summer season.