CAMP COL. RAFAEL C. RODRIGUEZ, Butuan City -- The regional command of Northeastern Mindanao Police Regional Office 13 (PRO 13) yesterday deployed 3,478 personnel for the Christmas holiday.
The command group of PRO 13 has already set the operational guidelines on the deployment of these police personnel tasked to provide maximum security coverage for Christmas and New Year’s Day celebrations.
PRO 13 Regional Director Brig. Gen. Romeo M. Caramat, Jr. told the Manila Bulletin on Tuesday that the deployed police forces will come from the police stations and mobile forces in the five provinces and six cities in Caraga region.
“They will be manning the police assistance desks in areas of public convergence during the Yuletide Season,” he said.
He also directed all unit commanders, provincial and city directors, as well as municipal chiefs of police to sustain the level of alertness and ensure that the enhanced police operations are being carried out regionwide.
Aside from patrolling to enhance police visibility, the policemen will also strengthen the conduct of focused law enforcement operations and ensure the observance of minimum health standards and protocols set by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease and the Local Government Units.
The deployment includes the utilization of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal and K9 Teams as the influx of people in the different churches, malls, terminals, and public areas is expected.
Field unit commanders are also directed to conduct foot patrols in all malls, public markets, terminals, sea and airports, and power, water, and communication facilities to avert any untoward incidents.
“Everything is set to ensure a safer and more peaceful observance of the Yuletide season,” the region’s top cop told the Manila Bulletin on Tuesday.
“The police force is on full alert to provide public safety services and enforce health and safety protocols amid the COVID-19 pandemic,” Caramat said.
He also appealed to the public to remain vigilant and report any illegal or suspicious activity to the nearest police unit.