PRO-7: Security Plans All Set in Central Visayas

Security measures are now in place in Cebu province in view of the upcoming Holy Week said Police Regional Office (PRO)-7 officials, assuring the public that it’s “all systems go” when it comes to safety and security concerns for the whole province and the surrounding islands.

Senior Superintendent Edwardo Carranza, regional chief directorial staff, said starting this week, all police units in the region are strictly following a Memorandum Circular covering security plans for the summer vacation and Holy Week observance.

Carranza said they already prepared for the influx of domestic and international tourists who will troop to the leisure spots or go back home in the provinces.

“We are directing all units to focus on areas of convergence such as ports and seaports, terminals, churches, hotels and resorts. Cellular phone numbers of police personnel assigned in those areas are also noted from the unit commanders to the PRO7 headquarters,” Carranza said.

In Cebu City, P/SSupt. Arnel Banzon said that other than the churches, they also dispersed personnel in the venue of “Buhing Kalbaryo” in Brgy. Guadalupe as well as in the Good Shepherd mountains where devotees will be doing the Stations of the Cross.

In Mandaue City, P/Supt. Crisaleo Tolentino, representing Mandaue City Police Office, said they are monitoring ten churches, three seaports, and four malls in the vicinity.

“We are also closely coordinating with other agencies for medical teams and fire personnel on standby. Police action centers are set up in these areas,” Tolentino said.

Banks are also being monitored. Mandaue City had so far launched a new digital close circuit televisions in target areas.

In Lapulapu City, P/Supt. Percival Zorilla said under their jurisdiction are one jeepney terminal, two van-for-hire terminals, four wharves, one airport, and six churches considered as Areas of Concern.

He said they are setting up more than 20 tourist and police assistance centers in Lapulapu including two at the foot of the first Mandaue Mactan Bridge and Marcelo Fernan Bridge.

Zorilla said they used security guards in the hotels and resorts as force multipliers.

For Cebu Provincial Police Office, P/Supt. Resty Santos said they are focusing on seven areas when it comes to tourist convergence.
These are Moalboal, Badian, Oslob, San Fernando, Santa Fe, and Madridejos.

He said in Bantayan island, where there are festivities during Holy Week, they are expecting lesser cases of snatching after they implemented the distribution and posting of pamphlets with the photos of snatchers.

Meanwhile, the Regional Intelligence Division will continue to monitor the presence of wanted criminals in these areas.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) identified the months of March, April, and May to have the highest arrival of international and domestic tourists in Cebu and also in the other islands in Central Visayas.