PRO-6, BCPO offer advice for residents going on vacation

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Police Regional Office-6 (PRO-6) and the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) issued several safety tips yesterday for residents who will be going out of town during the upcoming Holy Week observance.
Based on the pamphlet released by the PRO-6 Regional Police Community Relations Division (RPCRD), residents should lock their windows and doors in order to deter thieves from breaking in.
They also recommended using burglar alarms in order to alert neighbors, who stayed home for the celebration.
The RPCRD also advised residents to inform trusted neighbors when they will be returning, as well as making sure all appliances are unplugged and gas stoves safely shut in order to avoid fires.
The police added, it is best not to post on social media while on vacation in order to avoid informing potential robbers of your whereabouts.
PRO-6 also advised to have the number for the nearest police station should they require assistance.
Meanwhile, the BCPO, in its own information drive on social media, advised motorists to always remember the keyword “BLOWBAG,” meaning drivers should check their batteries, lights, oil, water, breaks, air, and gas.
They further informed drivers to not to forget vehicle paperwork should they be required to show it during routine police checkpoints.
The BCPO added, motorists should avoid one-hand driving and using mobile phones while driving, and recommend having a “relief driver” if they will be traveling long distances.
Travelers, meanwhile, are also advised to show up at their intended terminals as early as possible to avoid the rush and to be aware of possible criminal elements in their surroundings.
As part of “Oplan: SumVac,” police are scheduled to go on ‘red alert’ status starting on Palm Sunday, April 25./DGB, WDJ