The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) has set up 278 police assistance desks (PADs) to secure travelers across the province as part of the Philippine National Police’s Oplan Ligtas Summer Vacation (SUMVAC) 2025.

“The Oplan Ligtas SUMVAC guarantees the safety and security of both residents and visitors during the extended holiday period,” NOCPPO Director Colonel Rainerio de Chavez said in a statement yesterday.

At the same time, NOCPPO reminded the public “to remain vigilant against elements who may attempt to exploit the vacation rush to commit crimes.”

The PADs, which are located in recreational areas, religious sites, terminals, ports, and other gathering places, are manned by 595 personnel deployed in addition to the regular police force based in various police stations in 19 municipalities and 12 component cities across the province.

Beat patrollers and undercover police personnel would also be dispatched to enhance security coverage.

Road safety marshals and traffic personnel will be stationed along major routes to manage traffic and ensure safe travel.

In a report, the NOCPPO said De Chavez will lead an inspection team to assess the readiness of police officers manning the PADs while Red Teams will conduct operations to evaluate the preparedness of troops until May 31, while Oplan Ligtas SUMVAC is in effect.

Area supervisors, consisting of officers from NOCPPO, have been assigned to oversee various deployment areas across the six congressional districts of Negros Occidental, it added. (PNA)