PRO-7 Tightens Security in Central Visayas, Sends 800 Cops to Manila for APEC Duties

The Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 has tightened security in Central Visayas after the national headquarters declared a full alert status for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Manila this week.

Chief Superintendent Prudencio Tom Bañas, PRO-7 director, also said they have sent more than 800 policemen to Manila to augment the force tasked to secure delegates and heads of states who are attending the APEC Summit.

Banas said all leaves of personnel were cancelled with the declaration of a full alert status aimed at preventing terrorism, which recently hit France, from happening in the country.

“We should always be on our toes,” he said.

Bañas said he had instructed the directors of the police offices in the cities of Cebu, Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu, Cebu Province, Bohol and Siquijor to conduct regular checkpoints to preempt any untoward incident relative to what transpired in France.

Bañas urged the public to report any suspicious-looking persons to authorities.

“Law enforcement is a joint responsibility of law enforcers and the community at large,” he said.

Banas said they will continue their tight monitoring of criminal groups even after the full alert status will be lifted after the APEC meetings.

He said the PRO-7’s future challenges are the Sinulog and the International Eucharistic Congress (IEC) in January.

The Sinulog Festival, set on the third Sunday of January, is one of the biggest drawers of both foreign and local tourists in the country.

The 51st IEC, on the other hand, is expected to draw at least 15,000 local and foreign delegates the week after the Sinulog Festival. (PNA) FFC/EB/EBP