SPD to step up security for holidays

MANILA, Philippines - The Southern Police District (SPD) said Friday it will step up security measures during the Christmas season.

SPD director Chief Superintendent Jose Erwin Villacorte said there is a need to update the operational guidelines on the conduct of security coverage, public safety measures and other police services to ensure peace and order at shopping malls, transport terminals and other places where shoppers will converge.

Villacorte ordered SPD deputy for operations chief Superintendent Augustus Placer to compare notes on the previous security concerns and issues to fine-tune the district’s security coverage for the holiday season.

In particular, Villacorte said the SPD will intensify its foot and mobile patrols in malls, churches, entertainment centers, jeepney terminals, markets and at the Metro Rail Transit and Light Railway Transit stations.

Villacorte added that the SPD’s tactical motorized rider units are also tasked to go after motorcycle-riding criminals.

The SPD will also establish police assistance centers where the public can ask for immediate police assistance.