EDITORIAL - Cooperation and vigilance

As of yesterday, thousands have already gone to their provinces for a long holiday break. Once again bus terminals, seaports, and the airport are now busy with the continued influx of passengers.

Since last week, authorities in Cebu have been on heightened alert to thwart attempts by lawless elements to pick on travelers. Strict security measures have been implemented at every exit and entry point to secure travelers.

Various tourist destinations and religious sites around the province where thousands of Catholics congregate to observe the Holy Week are also on top of the police security list. 

Good thing no untoward incidents that affect the public's movement have been reported since the start of the holiday rush. And the public hopes that the trend will continue until the situation returns to normal.

The authorities have done their job in warning the public to be vigilant against criminals. While many troop to the provinces, lawless elements are also out to ply their trade.

That is why it is very important to secure everything before leaving. In this time when many leave their houses, burglars are also busy scouring the neighborhood hoping to score it big.  Police have warned vacationers, while they are away from home, not to post their location online otherwise burglars will be tempted to take advantage of the situation.   

But authorities will never succeed unless there is cooperation from the public. Based on previous experiences, the reason why criminals were able to penetrate police security was the fact that many refused to cooperate with the authorities.

While there is a need to follow every security measure, the people should not just leave all their security to the authorities alone. Individual vigilance is vital in maintaining peace and order.