The Philippine National Police (PNP) has deployed a total of 77,536 policemen to secure vital installations nationwide as thousands are expected to go to the provinces in time for the summer vacation and Lenten season, a police official said Tuesday.
Police Colonel Bernard Banac, PNP spokesman, said the Oplan Ligtas Sumvac 2019 has officially been implemented nationwide to coordinate all police operational activities on road safety and motorists assistance, route security, traffic management, and anti-criminality along major travel routes, places of convergence and tourist destinations.
“Nagsimula na ang summer season at umarangkada na rin ang ating Oplan Ligtas Sumvac 2019 kung saan tayo ay magbibigay ng karagdagang seguridad para sa vital installations sa public highways, bus terminals, seaports, airports at tourist destinations,” Banac said in a press briefing in Camp Crame, Quezon City.
According to Banac, the summer security plan begins on school break and Holy Week this month, through the different fiestas and celebrations in May, overlapping the entire four-month election period until the opening of classes in June.
SECURITY TIPS
Banac advised the public to refrain from posting #ATM or “at the moment” posts if they are going to trips since it may alert thieves and other lawless elements that no one will be left in their houses.
He also advised them to lock their houses and entrust its security to a trustworthy neighbor.
For those who will be travelling through the seaports and airports, Banac reminded the public to arrive at their destination earlier than the usual since longer queues are expected due to stricter security protocols.
The influx of party drugs will also be guarded by the police especially that parties and other social gatherings are expected to be held in various places of celebration such as in resorts, beaches and bars.
“This remains a concern for us since party drugs are particularly popular among the youth. We warn those who will try to sneak in party drugs during celebrations that they will face the full force of the law if ever they get caught by our tourist police,” Banac said.
Earlier, Police General Oscar Albayalde, PNP chief, also advised the parents of students to monitor the activities of their children especially during the summer break since he claimed this is the time when communist rebels are most active in recruiting members in the guise of social immersions. (Martin Sadongdong)