CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) deployed around 1,600 personnel, including force multipliers, for the observance of ‘Kalag-kalag’ 2025 in the province.
Police Captain Eden Rex Baguio, CPPO Information Officer, said they have intensified security preparations to ensure public safety during the holidays.
“Ang strategy nato atong gi-maximize ang atoang deployment of personnel in bus terminals and public seaports as we anticipate aning significant influx of passengers traveling back to their hometowns,” Baguio told The Freeman.
In fact, CPPO personnel have been deployed at the North and South Bus Terminals since Monday, October 28, and will remain there until November 3, as travelers return to their respective towns. Meanwhile, other personnel will also be stationed at various local seaports across the province.
Baguio added that by tomorrow, October 31, people are expected to flock to the bus terminals and ports as they travel to their respective towns. He also advised travelers to plan their trips ahead to avoid road congestion during Kalag-kalag.
“Pwede sila ahead, kanang di pa kaayo busy. Pwede sila musayo-sayo og (byahe) para dili sila maigo sa traffic na gyud,” said Baguio.
Of the total deployment, at least 606 personnel will be coming from the Philippine National Police (PNP), while the rest will be from advocacy groups that will serve as force multipliers.
These include the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO), Barangay First Aid Training (BFAT), Barangay Police Security Officers (BPSO), among others.
Additionally, Baguio said they have already issued directives to local policemen to establish a Police Assistance Desk at the entrance of each cemetery in the province to check and screen the dos and don’ts of the PNP for Kalag-kalag 2024.
Baguio said, they have instructed their lower unit that bringing of alcoholic beverages; loud speaker; and bladed weapons are strictly prohibited.
“Usa na sa atoang gipang-check sa atoang mga kapulisan, we already gave instructions ani nila,” said Baguio.
He added that the provincial headquarters’ supervisors will also conduct “red teaming” to check if the local police and all those who have been deployed followed the directives of the PNP.
“Mu-check mi nila didto, mu-surprise mi nila og inspection to check if ready ba sila or gibuhat ba gyud nila ang gustong mahitabo nga preparations for series of conferences and meetings para aning safety and security sa Undas 2024,” said Baguio.
As visitors are expected to pour in for the holiday season, Baguio said that they have instructed each local police station in Cebu Province to provide an estimated number of personnel to assess how well-prepared PNP members are.
“So, gusto nato is ma compare nila previous years kung unsa ang mga sakto or nindot ipa-improve nila sa ilahang security and safety preparations, kung unsa tong mga negative nga critiques so dapat ilaha tong usbon to improve ang ilahang preparations para karong Kalag-kalag,” he added.
On the other hand, CPPO is also coordinating with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) district offices to help manage the traffic situation in the province.
“Gusto pod nato nga ang mga police is to assist didto dapat sa streets para at least. Katong naay mga major intersections ug asa pa to para at least ma guide-an ang traffic,” said Baguio.
Baguio said they will also conduct a 'rekorida,' or mobile public announcement, to inform travelers—especially those in Cebu—about any road rerouting during the Kalag-kalag season. —/FPL (FREEMAN)