By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan/ PNA
MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday officially implemented its ‘Oplan Ligtas Sumvac 2019’ nationwide to ensure safe travel of motorists and commuters this coming Lenten season and summer vacation.
“With the start of summer, our Oplan Ligtas Sumvac 2019 has also kicked off. We will provide additional security in vital installations such as public highways, bus terminals, seaports, airports and tourist destinations,” PNP spokesperson, Col. Bernard Banac told reporters in a press briefing in Camp Crame.
The Oplan Ligtas Sumvac 2019 will coordinate all police operational activities on road safety and motorist assistance, route security, traffic management, and anti-criminality along major travel routes, places of convergence, and tourist destinations.
A total of 77,536 policemen have been deployed to secure vital installations nationwide as thousands are expected to go to the provinces in time for the summer months and Lenten season.
According to Banac, the Ligtas Sumvac 2019 will be in effect at the start of the school break until the opening of classes in June.
He said the PNP will field more security personnel and establish assistance desks in seaports and in all domestic and international airports nationwide.
“As for the summer vacation the PNP steps up its security and public safety measures especially in ports, bus terminals and other areas of convergence in order to protect the citizens and for them to be able to enjoy their vacation trip to different parts of the country,” he said.
Banac reminded travelers to arrive at seaports and airports earlier than the usual since longer queues are expected due to stricter security protocols.
Meanwhile, the PNP spokesperson also urged the public to refrain from posting their vacation plans on social media.
“Netizens should not post where are they going for vacation. Thieves are also monitoring social media accounts to look for victims,” he told reporters.
He also advised them to properly lock their houses and ask a trustworthy neighbor to watch over them.
Authorities are also keeping an eye on resorts, beaches and bars to curb the use and sale of party drugs.
“This remains a concern for us since party drugs are particularly popular among the youth. We warn those who will try to sneak in party drugs during celebrations that they will face the full force of the law if ever they get caught by our tourist police,” Banac said.
