2 thousand policemen arrive to help in security

CEBU, Philippines — The second wave of security enforcement from different police units in the region has arrived at the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) for the additional security installment of the Sinulog 2020 celebration.

Police Colonel Engelbert Soriano, CCPO Director, has laid down the final touches of their security preparation over the arrival of the additional 2,000 police personnel.

The PRO-7 leadership is looking at deploying about 6,000 police personnel for the security installment of the whole Sinulog activity.

In their final preparations, Soriano said that they will be installing cops in all parade routes and entrance.

He added that they have specific augmentation in the parade route and the venue.

They have 200 cops to augment the security forces at the Basilica; 100 for the Fuente Osmeña area, while there will be a thousand for the Cebu City Sports Center.

Since the president is expected to grace the Sinulog celebration, Soriano said that their security preparations will remain as it is.

“We are expecting 18 brand new motorcycles for Bicutan. We are hoping to get them para magamit natin this Friday,” Soriano said.

PRO-7 Director Valeriano De Leon has instructed Soriano to augment cops in motorcycles in each side to ensure that the crowd will be in control aside from the HPG cops.

The deployed cops were also instructed to take their meals on their post during the celebration as they will be given gloves to do it.

“They cannot abandon their posts. I have instructed my supply officer to sector the area for Saturday and Sunday and to form four teams to attend to the sectors,” Soriano said.

Meanwhile, Soriano said that they are monitoring the possible entry of illegal drugs, as they do not discount the possibility that the drug lords might take advantage of the Sinulog celebration including the party drugs.

“Pag may party, may drugs. We are doing our best to monitor before ito ma-distribute. Mino-monitor na rin sila. Hopefully with the help of the public we can get important information and initiate positive operation regarding sa ecstasy,” Soriano told reporters.  GAN (FREEMAN)