The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) has deployed a total 480 policemen as of March 26, in order to implement tighter security operations during Holy Week.

“We’ll concentrate on areas of convergence because these are prone to robbery and pickpocket incidents,” said ICPO operations chief, Police Superintendent Jowel Saliba. “We are reminding the public to avoid bringing backpacks and wearing expensive accessories since perpetrators are expected to take advantage.”

He specified, maximum police visibility will be conducted at transport hubs, churches, markets, malls, parks, and tourist destinations in the city.

In addition, police assistance desks are set up in strategic areas.

The strengthened operations are part of “Oplan Summer Vacation (SumVac),” the Philippine National Police summer security program, which is expected to run until the opening of classes in June./WDJ