By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga
The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)-Northern Negros Occidental will step up security measures during the observance of Holy Week this year.
NOCPPO spokesperson, Lt. Abegael Donasco said they are all set to initiate “Oplan: SumVac” in anticipation of the thousands of Negrenses who will be going home or on vacation.
Donasco said police personnel will be deployed in places of convergence, such as transport terminals, churches, resorts, and shopping malls.
Police Assistance Desks will be set-up in places of convergence, while other personnel conduct foot patrols.
The police are expected to strictly follow the 90:10 ratio — 90 personnel will be assigned to conduct patrols, while 10 will perform office tasks at the police stations.
As thousands of Negrenses are expected to travel during the Holy Week, Donasco said they expect that some individuals will take advantage of the situation by committing burglary.
Donasco reminded the public to secure their homes.
He added that it is a good idea to inform and ask neighbors to check their houses prior to leaving.
Meanwhile, PCG-Northern Negros Occidental station chief, Commander Joe Luviz Mercurio said they will be placed on “full alert” status next week.
Mercurio said most of their police personnel have just completed their refresher courses to make them more efficient for the upcoming “Oplan: Semana Santa 2024.”
The PCG will closely monitor sea terminals, making sure that vessels are in good condition and not overloaded.
Mercurio added that they have already received orders from Coast Guard District-Western Visayas commander Captain Weniel Azcuna to deploy their sea assets and regularly patrol the province’s coastal areas.
The PCG have also begun inspecting several beach resorts in the province to make sure that they have available lifeguards.
Mercurio said stringent monitoring is particularly done in cities and municipalities that have existing ordinances requiring resorts to have certified lifeguards, making sure that they know how to perform first aid in case of an emergency.
The PCG will also tap the PCG Auxiliary, and other rescue groups during the Holy Week to ensure the safety of tourists during the period./DGB, WDJ