By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) spokesperson, Police Lt. Colonel Ariel Pico, said local police were placed on “full alert” last week, ahead of the holiday festivities which are set to begin on Sunday, December 15, the first day of the nine-day Aguinaldo Mass, or “Simbang Gabi.”
According to the law enforcement official, 166 out of the 600 police officers were assigned as beat patrolers.
In addition, since “Simbang Gabi” has not started, Pico said a majority of their police assistance desks have been set up at city shopping malls and other places of convergence. However, once festivities are underway, he said assistance desks will also be set up at churches across the city.
The law enforcement official said, during that period, most crimes recorded are related to theft incidents.
Meanwhile, he also noted, ever since the government conducted road clearing operations, they found the number of snatching incidents has significantly gone down.
Additionally, with the recent proliferation of fake currency, Pico advised the public to closely check the money they receive as their counterparts in Iloilo have already recorded a number of incidents involving fake money.
“As of now, we have not yet recorded any arrests or complaints related to fake monetary bills,” the police spokesperson said.
He added, full alert status also covers the expected anniversary of the New People’s Army, which is scheduled to take place on December 26.
The alert is expected to run through the first week of January 2020.
Earlier, Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office director, Police Colonel Romeo Baleros, said they are currently finalizing security plans for the upcoming holiday.
Baleros said the entire police force has been placed on “Red Alert,” wherein all pertinent offices are expected to report to the main office on a 24-hour basis. He also ordered police chiefs from various cities and municipalities to enhance anti-crime patrols, especially in crowded areas.
Police chiefs were also ordered to coordinate with force multipliers in their respective localities and advised them to help in road traffic administration. In addition, police were instructed to assist motorists in the event of mechanical troubles or accidents./DGB, WDJ