Ian Alfredo Magno
AMID the volatile peace and order situation, this year’s “undas” in this part of the country proved to be peaceful and therefore, a success. Thanks to the diligent efforts of our men in uniform who exhibited no-nonsense efforts in hardening local security measures.
The recent official presser No. 88-2017 of Supt. Lemuel B. Gonda, chief of the public information office, and spokesperson and deputy chief of the Regional Police Strategy Management Unit of Police Regional Office 10 elucidates on how they executed such a painstaking yet laudable task under full alert, thus:
“To ensure the safety and security of the general public who will pay tribute to their departed loved ones this Kalagkalag 2017, Police Regional Office 10 will be deploying an appropriate number of policemen in all cemeteries within its area of responsibility as early as Oct. 31, 2017. More personnel will also be deployed for police presence in all places of convergence like bus terminals, airports, seaports, churches and places of worship, tourist destination, and vital installation.
“As what PRO-10 always implemented during holidays and special events, the entire region will be placed on full alert status to provide security coverage and public safety services. Police operations will be intensified to monitor the plans and activities of criminal elements and other threat groups.
“PCSupt. Timoteo G. Pacleb, Regional Director, has ordered lower units the deployment of more policemen to intensify target hardening and security measures, intelligence and counter-intelligence operations, public safety plans to ensure a secured, safe and orderly observance of All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day.
“The deployment will include Road Safety Marshalls in strategic areas along the routes to and from the cemeteries and other areas of convergence. Police Assistance Center (PAC) will also be established as part of the PNP’s service for the general public and motorists in coordination with Local Government Units and force multipliers to prevent criminal activities. The Regional Director also directed Provincial and City Directors to supervise their men as they always solicit the utmost cooperation of the public.
“PCSupt. Pacleb, emphasized the strict implementation and monitoring on the prohibition of bladed weapons, flammable materials, liquors, and other alcoholic beverages, gardening tools, loud speakers and gaming cards inside the cemeteries to preserve solemnity and peace in the place.
“The community is advised to be alert, vigilant and observant against any suspicious persons and activities and encouraged them to report immediately to the established Police Assistance Center in all cemeteries and nearest police stations.”
“Police stations have also come up with an innovative crime prevention campaign strategy through social media such as Twitter and Facebook where they enjoined the public to be vigilant, safety and security conscious. PCSupt Pacleb remarked that the security awareness of community is vital to deter crimes.”
(Ian Alfredo T. Magno is a legal officer at Philhealth and a practicing lawyer based in Cagayan de Oro. E-mail: ianalfredom@gmail.com)
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