7,699 cops, force multipliers to secure Ilocos visitors, residents this Lenten season
CAMP BRIG. GEN. OSCAR M. FLORENDO, La Union – Some 7,699 cops and force multipliers will be deployed in different strategic places in Region 1 to secure visitors and residents this Lenten season, according to Police Regional Office-1 Director Brig. Gen. John C. Chua.
Chua said the PRO-1 had activated its security plan “Ligtas SUMVAC” in an effort to accelerate its law enforcement initiatives and anti-criminality stance ahead of the observance of the Lenten season.
He confirmed that the comprehensive security plans on traffic management and personnel deployment are already in place to ensure public safety services to the community before, during, and after the observance of Holy Week and other holidays and important events thereafter.
Intelligence monitoring efforts, implementation of road safety measures and traffic management, and deployment of police assistance desks, especially in major public transport terminals, airports, churches, shopping malls, and other places of convergence, intensified.
“The police personnel and force multipliers are to be assigned in places of convergence, transportation hubs, tourist destinations, and road construction areas in anticipation of the influx of motorists and tourists who will be visiting the
region,” he said.
He also ordered maximized police visibility and strengthened beat patrols for crime deterrence and accessible public assistance.
The deployment of Tourist Police Units in tourist destinations region-wide in coordination with LGUs, local tourism councils, and the Department of Tourism (DOT) will complement this security initiative.
“We have been doing several early preparations to ensure the peaceful observance of the Lenten season. Rest assured that we will maximize our efforts to make sure that everyone will enjoy the summer vacation,” Chua said.
He appealed to the public to support the police by following the implemented rules and regulations in the area and observing precautionary measures against criminals.
Meanwhile, the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) in Region 1 and its local DRMMCs are now on heightened alert to anticipate any untoward incident in the observance of the Lenten season in the region.