By Connie Calipay/Philippine News Agency
LEGAZPI CITY — The Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO5) has put in place “Ligtas SumVac 2019” covering the summer vacation period with police help desks stationed in major areas of convergence to ensure public order and safety in the region.
PRO5 spokesperson, Major Ma. Luisa Calubaquib, in an interview on Wednesday, said the Bicol police office deployed 5,724 of its personnel and 7,404 force multipliers and volunteer groups in transportation hubs and terminals as well as along highways leading to tourist destinations, seaports and airports.
“The preparation aims to ensure public order, and safeguard the traveler’s safety among the motorists, commuters, students, local and foreign tourists, especially that we expect the influx of personnel coming from Manila and other nearby provinces who are about to spend their vacation in the region,” she said.
“SumVac 2019” also covers route security and the intensification of target hardening measures to include police visibility on vital installations, checkpoints, Internal Security Operation and other police operations.
Along with the start of the summer vacation and Holy Week, other significant activities being anticipated in the region are Labor Day, National Flag Day, Flores de Mayo and the mid-term national and local elections on May 13.
“With this, PRO5 also tightens its law enforcement activities, focused law enforcement operations and enhanced crime investigation, aggressive operations against suspected terror groups and criminal gangs and manhunt operations against wanted persons,” Calubaquib said.
She added that Police Brig. Gen. Arnel Escobal, PRO5 director, has ordered all lower units to maximize their personnel to ensure the protection of vacationers who will visit tourist destinations in their respective areas of jurisdiction.
“He also reminded them to stay on alert, be vigilant and always take precautionary measures against the domestic threat groups and lawless elements which may take advantage of the occassion,” Calubaquib said.
Likewise, she appealed for the public’s active support and involvement in the community by reporting any relevant and timely information’s that may distract “Ligtas SUMVAC 2019” through their Facebook account (Kasurog Bicol), Twitter account@PRO5 React, CRMS hotline 09173097862 or by going to the nearest police station.
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