PRO-13 taps 7,000 cops for Holy Week
BUTUAN CITY – The Police Regional Office-13 will mobilize at least 7,000 policemen and force multipliers to secure the Caraga region this Holy Week and the “summer” vacation.
PRO 13-Regional Public Information Office chief Police Major Jennifer S. Ometer said they will be assigned to sea ports, airports, transportation hubs, places of worship, tourist destinations, parks, commercial areas, malls, markets streets, and main thoroughfares.
“The different police headquarters spread in the five provinces and six cities in Caraga region are also directed to deploy some of their personnel in Police Assistance Desks (PADS), provide police visibility through foot and mobile patrols, and also conduct mobile checkpoints,” Ometer said on Monday, March 18. “We are also on full alert during that time,” she added.
Ometer said the deployment of lawmen in strategic areas seeks to ensure that no criminal elements can exploit the Lenten rush.
PRO-13 Director Police Brig. Gen. Kirby John B. Kraft has started issuing operational guidelines for the security plan to be followed by police regional, provincial, city, as well as municipal police stations.
Kraft ordered police to secure religious activities and sites, including the yearly “Panaad” (promised) hiking sites in this city, where a huge crowd and the presence of devotees are expected on the road to Cavalry.
“Our deployed police force will not only be seen but felt by the Caraganons, vacationers, and tourists in all public places in the different locations in the region,” Kraft said.
The PRO-13 and Department of Tourism (DOT) are expecting a large number of vacationers and travelers during the Holy Week.
“We want to make sure that they will have a safe, secure, and enjoyable experience,” Kraft said.
Kraft reminded the public to cooperate and follow the rules and regulations set by the government to deter crime, prevent accidents, and avoid unnecessary inconvenience.
“We are closely coordinating now with other concerned law enforcement agencies and local government units for a peaceful and orderly celebration during Holy Week and summer break,” Ometer said.