 |
| Thousands of police officers and force multipliers have been deployed to key tourist destinations in Eastern Visayas for the Lenten Season and summer vacation. Photo: PRO-8/Facebook |
TACLOBAN CITY – In preparation for the Lenten Season and summer vacation, over 4,000 police officers from the Philippine National Police (PNP) have been deployed to key tourist destinations throughout Eastern Visayas. This measure aims to ensure peace and order in the area during the busy tourism season.
PNP Regional Director Brig. Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil disclosed that out of the 4,229 policemen deployed, 3,638 of them are accompanied by force multipliers from other units, including the Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Army, Philippine Coast Guard, and Civilian Volunteers from Advocacy Groups.
To further strengthen security measures, the other 591 PNP personnel will be positioned along the Maharlika Highway, from Allen, Northern Samar, to San Ricardo, Southern Leyte, as part of the Oplan Maharlika security plan.
Brig. Gen. Marbil reassured the public of the police force's commitment to ensuring public safety and security during the season and called for cooperation from the public. He also stated that all PNP units and stations have been put on high alert and directed to coordinate with other agencies in their areas to disseminate safety tips to arriving tourists.
To increase police visibility, assistance desks have been established at strategic locations, manned by force multipliers, volunteer groups, the Department of Public Works and Highways, Tourism, Land Transportation Office, and local government units. Personnel has also been deployed to major thoroughfares, national highways, commercial areas, areas of convergence, places of worship, and vital installations.
The police will conduct regular mobile patrols and inspections of tourist sites and activate tourist police at every police station to further improve security measures. The police regional office has also reminded the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity during this busy period. —iTacloban (Source: PRO-8)