QCPD deploys undercover cops for Holy Week security

MANILA, Philippines - When passengers flock to bus terminals for the Holy Week, they might be unwittingly sitting beside someone who is not there to catch the next trip but are on the lookout for criminals preying on those bound for the provinces.

These policemen are in plainclothes and look like ordinary tourists or passengers, but they are deployed by the Quezon City Police District in different areas of the city in preparation for the coming Holy Week.

QCPD director Chief Superintendent Mario de la Vega said that security has been tightened in all areas, particularly in bus and train terminals, malls and other areas of public convergence.

This measure is to prevent criminals and terrorists from engaging in any activities. He said such measure would remain in force throughout the summer months.

De la Vega said that they started early this year, since most public schools in the city are already having their graduation ceremonies.

QCPD deputy director for operations Senior Superintendent Joel Pagdilao said the city hosts 22 bus terminals, 48 major churches, and several train terminals.

At the terminals, a total of 100 police personnel will be deployed, including those in plainclothes conducting detective work.

“They won’t be easily recognized by the criminals since they will look just like the passengers,” Pagdilao told The STAR.

There is also a team of policemen assigned to each of the 22 bus terminals and more than 900 security personnel, including policemen and village watchmen, will do the rounds all over the city.

Yesterday, the QCPD sent off its new patrol cars along major thoroughfares to assist motorists.

On the other hand, the old patrol cars will continue to conduct their usual rounds.

De la Vega also led the inspection of terminals in Cubao along with Land Transportation Office chief Virginia Torres and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Francis Tolentino.

De la Vega and QCPD officials distributed copies of a four-panel leaflet on how to keep homes safe from robbers while the family is on vacation.

It also includes tips when on the road, inside the vehicle, and when taking public transportation.

Meanwhile, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Director Alan Purisima reported that at least 5,500 policemen would be deployed in bus terminals, airports and seaports to secure motorists and commuters.

The NCRPO remained on normal alert yesterday as Purisima declared that the intelligence community has not monitored any threat from terrorists and criminal syndicates taking advantage of the Holy Week.

Purisima mandated his five district directors and 37 station commanders to beef up security operations and public safety plan to ensure a secure, safe and orderly observance of Holy Week.

“We should ensure the safety and orderly movement of motorists and commuters during the observance of Holy Week and safeguard the properties they left behind as they trek towards the provinces and other cities for a long vacation,” said Purisima.

Purisima likewise ordered the deployment of policemen starting Friday afternoon in all bus terminals in Metro Manila, including passenger holding areas, to prevent criminal elements from striking.

With the help of village watchmen, Purisima said police and mobile patrols would be intensified, especially in posh subdivisions and commercial areas, to prevent robbers like the “Akyat-Bahay” and “Acetylene” gangs, from striking.

The NCRPO will increase police visibility in Metro Manila and Purisima vowed to secure the premises of the Philippine National Railways, Metro Rail Transit and Light Rail Transit and other areas frequented by tourists and travelers like churches, and areas where people usually converge. – With Non Alquitran, Mike Frialde