By Edwin Fernandez/Philippine News Agency

TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat — Several policemen in North Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat have been deployed in tourist destinations and other populated areas with the start of Oplan SumVac (Summer Vacation).
Lt. Colonel Aldrin Gonzales, speaking for police in Region 12 (Soccsksargen), said police personnel were also deployed in churches, parks, and other populated areas ahead of the observance of the Holy Week.
It was not mentioned how many policemen were deployed.
In Sultan Kudarat, police visibility has been increased due to the bombing last week of a restaurant that injured 18 people, Gonzales said.
“All entry and exit points of Sultan Kudarat are heavily guarded,” Gonzales said.
In Kidapawan City, Lt. Col. Bernard Tayong, speaking for police in North Cotabato, said peacekeepers have been deployed in all tourist spots in the province as part of Oplan SumVac.
North Cotabato hosts three of the most popular tourist destinations in Region 12: the country’s highest peak — Mt. Apo in Kidapawan City; the country’s only “curtain falls” — the Asik-Asik Falls in Alamada town; and Asia’s longest zip line — the Israel zip line in Barangay New Israel, Makilala.
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