GENERAL SANTOS CITY — The Police Regional Office (PRO)-12 has stepped up security preparations for the coming Holy Week and the summer vacation.
Chief Supt. Marcelo Morales, Region 12 police director, said Monday they have prepared a comprehensive security plan to ensure the safe, secure and smooth observance of Holy Week and summer period.
The Holy Week, an annual Christian tradition, will start on Palm Sunday, March 25, and end on Holy Saturday, March 31, or the day before Easter.
The summer vacation, which is considered the longest break for students, will start on April 7 and end on June 13.
“All police units in Region 12 will be on full alert status during this period,” Morales said in a statement.
PRO-12 has operational jurisdiction over the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and North Cotabato, and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato — known as Soccsksargen Region.
He said they will specifically intensify their intelligence-driven mechanisms, implement road safety measures, expand the beat and mobile patrols of mobile forces and establish police assistance desks in strategic convergence areas in the entire break.
These include major public transport terminals, seaports, airports, churches, shopping malls and other public areas.
Police teams will also closely monitor the safety measures in beaches and other swimming resorts to prevent cases of drowning due to unattended children, drunkenness and variety of medical conditions.
Morales said the enhanced security measures are part of the Philippine National Police’s “Sang-Ingat Charlie” or the master plan on security preparations and the action plan against attacks in government and public installations.
Its paramount objective is “maintaining order, enforcing the law and providing public safety services,” he said.
“We will do everything to ensure that the summer vacation will be spent peacefully, for the people to enjoy it without the fear of risks and that no untoward incidents will happen,” Morales said.
During the break, he said the PRO-12 will display security guidelines and reminders printed on tarpaulins and distribute pamphlets on safety tips to residents and tourists.
“Rest assured that there will be maximum police presence in places of convergence,” he said. (PNA)
