THE Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office is on full alert for the holiday season. (Nocppo)
BACOLOD CITY – The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office is on full alert status and has deployed 2,300 personnel to ensure public safety during the holiday season.
Police Capt. Judesses Catalogo, Negros Occidental police spokesperson, said all personnel were required to report for duty and may only take a leave for valid or medical reasons.
Catalogo said police deployment will vary depending on the needs of each station.
Assistance desks will be set up in crowded areas such as malls, churches, transport terminals, plazas, seaports, and other public spots expecting a surge in activity.
Catalogo urged people to secure their homes before attending gatherings to prevent criminal incidents.
Beach resorts will also be closely monitored as families are expected to gather in these places.
Catalogo encouraged the people to choose safer alternatives to firecrackers to celebrate the New Year.
The full alert status serves as a reminder for policemen to stay vigilant following the recent murder of Police Senior Master Sgt. Rommel Aguilar of the 1st Negros Occidental Provincial Mobile Force Company by New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Calatrava, Negros Occidental.
The alert status will remain in place until the end of the holiday season in January.