CEBU CITY – The first day of the Bar examinations here on Sunday, September 8, was peaceful, police said.
Police Major Jiceree Basitao, chief of the Inayawan Police Station, said no major incidents were reported during the examination at the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Basak Campus on Nicanor Bacalso Ave.
One-thousand, one-hundred fourteen law graduates took the exam at USJ-R, said Basitao, citing data from the Supreme Court.
"Overall, our security coverage was successful. Traffic was manageable since the exam fell on a Sunday,” said Basitao.
Basitao said they are expecting heavier traffic in the second day of the examinations on Wednesday, September 12. The final day of the examinations will be on Sunday, September 15.
SUPPORTERS of examinees gather for Day 1 of the 2024 Bar Examinations at the Ateneo de Davao University-Senior High School on Sunday, September 8, in Davao City. (Antonio L. Colina IV)
“We can expect that by Wednesday, traffic will be heavier considering it is a weekday. But nevertheless, we will deploy a number of personnel to man the traffic with the assistance of the City Traffic Office personnel,” said Basitao.
Barriers were placed outside the examination venue to prevent unnecessary disruption.
Police asked relatives and friends of the examinees who usually gather outside the testing venue to follow the rules to prevent untoward incidents during and after the exam.
“We appeal to the relatives, friends, and supporters to follow the designated area that was allocated for them so as not to disturb the bar exam process,” said Basitao.
Acting Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia issued an executive order imposing a liquor ban during examination days.
Police have also tasked the Barangay Police Security Officers in Pardo to conduct foot patrol around the university during examination days.