By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) will adopt a one-day off duty per week for their personnel as part of their deployment plans for the holiday season.

NOCPPO director, Colonel Leo Pamittan said this is to maximize police deployment for the Christmas holidays and to ensure public safety.

Police personnel usually have a two-day off duty every week.

Pamittan said it was observed that the number of robbery and theft incidents increased during the holiday season.

He reminded the public to take necessary measures against thieves as the Christmas season is approaching.

Police commanders in Negros Occidental have also been ordered to set up assistance desks in crowded areas, particularly in transport terminals, shopping malls and churches, to deter criminal activities.

Earlier, the NOCPPO said they would meet with local officials from the Land Transportation Office, the Department of Public Works and Highways and local government units to discuss how to improve road safety awareness as some areas in the province lack road safety signages.

The provincial police will also discuss their preparations for the holiday season.

They are also considering an information campaign on road safety following a spike in the number of vehicular accidents recently./DGB, WDJ