PRO-7 Targets Zero Crime During 51st IEC in Cebu in January

The Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 is aiming for “zero-crime” during the 51st International Eucharistic Congress (IEC), which will be held in Cebu from January 24 to 31.

Chief Superintendent Manuel Gaerlan, the PRO 7 director, said they are coordinating with police offices in the other regions to stop the entry of criminal elements in Cebu.

He said the Sinulog festivities on the third week of January are also included in the formulation of their security plan.

He said he has met with his personnel to lay out preparations for the two major events in Cebu next month.

Included in their discussion were the delegation of tasks to different units and on how they will manage the crowd to prevent a stampede.

Gaerlan said a sub-task group was created to look after petty thieves.

“As much as possible, we don’t want people to be victimized by pickpockets, especially the foreign guests,” said Gaerlan.

The 51st IEC organizers expect 12,000 to 15,000 local and foreign delegates to attend the gathering of Catholic leaders on Jan. 24-31, 2016.

Last November, a construction company turned over a facility at the San Carlos Seminary in Barangay Mabolo, Cebu City where most of the IEC-related activities will be held.

The IEC Pavilion, which cost more than PHP500 million to build, can accommodate about 15,000 people. (PNA) LAP/EB/EDS