Cops on high alert for dawn Masses
CEBU, Philippines — The whole Region 7 will be on heighted alert starting December 16, the first day of the Misa de Gallo and this will be in effect until Christmas.
Police Regional Office (PRO)-7 director Debold Sinas said that the Regional Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee-7 (RLEC-7) declared yesterday that churches need full security during the duration of the dawn masses.
The PNP will give priority to the big churches in the region like the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral in Cebu City.
"What I can assure to the public, based on our discussion with other law enforcement agencies, the threat is normal. We will always raise our alert status to alert our people and make them aware of the situation," Sinas said.
Sinas stressed that they have not received any threat.
For her part, Cebu City Police Office Director Senior Supt. Royina Garma enjoins the public to be involved in keeping the peace and order in their area.
She said she will deploy 75 percent of his men to be in the streets and in churches.
"The 25 percent will remain sa office and will report exactly 8 a.m. Ang mobantay, i-flexi time ko sila. I will allow them to report mga 10 a.m. 11 a.m.," Garma said.
"Kasi kapoy na na sila maytag usa ra na ka adlaw, siyam baya na ka adlaw ang misa de gallo," she added.
Now that Christmas is fast approaching, unscrupulous individuals have targeted Automated Teller Machine.
Garma is calling on cardholders to be extra careful.
"Ayaw pagtinanga. Kabalo na mo nga naay mga modus so mag-ingat sa ATM," Garma said.
Despite their busy schedule, Garma will allow her men to hold Christmas parties.
"I will allow them. Puro na lang kami trabaho minsan lang kami magparty, di ba?" she said.
However, the police are not allowed to drink alcoholic beverages during the party.
"No drinking. Sa mga duty, bawal gyud pati magsinghot lang ng beer bawal. Kung naa moy nakit-an nga pulis naghubog, ireport dayon sa itug-an ni CD," Garma said. (FREEMAN)
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