Cops prepare for worst case

CEBU, Philippines —  The personnel of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) yesterday conducted a simulation exercise (SIMEX) in Barangay Mambaling that would mirror the scenario of a possible riot in the implementation of a lockdown.

CCPO Director Josefino Ligan, along with the Crisis Respond Battalion, monitored the SIMEX along C. Padilla Street, in Barangay Mambaling, Cebu City.

“Very smooth ang response sa atong kapulisan, they are coming from different sectors as far as Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue reinforcing our troops here for this SIMEX on lockdown in the specific area here in Mambaling,” Ligan said.

The SIMEX showed the worst-case scenario that may arise, including the possible resistance of the residents, and how should the police personnel respond to it.

Included were possible scenarios in which people would insist to go out, amid the implementation of lockdown.

“Then yung scenario na pumutok na gutom sila at lumabas, yun may response na tayo kaagad,” Ligan said.

According to Ligan, the SIMEX also was an assurance that an untoward incident may arise, the local police are ready to respond to it.

The police personnel have been instructed to ensure maximum tolerance, should the people turn aggressive during the implementation of the lockdown.

Ligan, however, revealed that there is also a dedicated team to identify agitator that could be arrested.

He also added that they would need to improve on the speed on placing and deploying cops in places. He added that a little more coordination, then their strategy will be refined, he said.

“Please stay at home and we will heal as one,” Ligan reminded the public to prevent from implementing what they have practiced yesterday.  GAN (FREEMAN)