Police sing, dance to entertain evacuees

LEGAZPI CITY, Albay — Aside from providing security to evacuees and at the same time conducting checkpoints to prevent them from returning to their homes inside the eight-kilometer permanent danger zone (PDZ) of Mayon Volcano, police have begun nightly performances to entertain evacuees.

Senior Inspector Malu Calubaquib, Police Regional Office 5 (PRO5) spokesperson, said this effort of the police is dubbed as “Oplan KASUROG kan Bakwit (Oplan Ally of Evacuees)” which is part of the psychological intervention for persons displaced by the volcanic eruption.

Calubaquib narrated that the nightly show started last January 28, and that they have been to several evacuation centers, performing dances and singing like professional concert artists.

“Yung security coverage nung PNP is 24/7, but dinagdagan natin ng twist. Ang tawag sa grupo ay psychological intervention team, a team of dancers, singers na mga member ng PNP na may mga talent sa singing and dancing. It was crafted by the PNP regional director Chief Superintendent Antonio Gardiola Jr.,” Calubaquib said.

She said that most of the dancers were lady cops coming from different police offices, doing the “budot” style while singers are being led by the regional director.

Aside from the PNP team, several actor and actresses were in Albay the other day to give entertainment to evacuees to prevent them from sneaking back home especially at night.

“The shows run about 2-3 hours. Lately, the evacuees have been awaiting the PNP’s performances that many members of the team get to feel like they are celebrities,” Calubaquib said.