The Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) will tighten the security measures across Western Visayas to ensure public security and safety for the holiday season.

PRO-6 director, Police Brigadier General Rene Pamuspusan, said that maximum police personnel will be deployed especially in cities to secure various areas of convergence such as malls, churches, transport terminals, banks, pawnshops, and other establishments.

“We have to utilize our personnel to prevent and suppress the occurrence of criminal and terrorists act targeting the general public, places of convergence, and transportation hubs,” Pamuspusan said.

He further said that police visibility will be intensified through increased foot and mobile patrols and establishment of police assistance desks.

“Series of checkpoint operations will be implemented and we have to tap the services of village officials especially the tanod members to help our police,” Pamuspusan added.

The PRO-6 top cop also ordered all the city and provincial directors as well as the municipal police chiefs to heighten their campaign against criminality through the implementation of Oplan Bakal/Sita/Galugad/Katok, service of warrants of arrest, and other police interventions.

“The intensified campaign of the PNP on security preparation is not only during this season, but the entire police force will also continue its mandate of protecting and serving the people,” Pamuspusan said.

The PRO-6 also advised the public that as much as possible, crowded areas should be avoided and refrain from talking to strangers.

Pamuspusan added that strict implementation of health protocols will be enforced to ensure the containment of the coronavirus disease 2019./WDJ