CEBU, Philippines — The Mandaue City Police Office has identified “discipline zones” in the barangays that will be manned by police personnel whose primary role is to ensure public compliance to the protocols amid the pandemic.
Among the discipline zones in the city are the flyover area in Barangay Maguikay, near Gaisano Capital in Barangay Casuntingan, and all satellite markets in the barangays.
Ordinances and executive orders issued by the mayor are expected to be strictly enforced in these areas, according to Police Major Zosimo Jabas, chief of the Operation and Management Unit of MCPO.
Jabas said they are urging the respective barangay councils to pass a resolution identifying discipline zones so the police can then deploy their personnel in these areas.
Apart from police personnel, the barangay tanods and barangay personnel will be also tapped in this campaign, according to Jabas.
He said the discipline zones are those areas where people are usually seen to congregate and where the chances of violating the health protocols are high.
Among the rules to be implemented are those that prohibit illegal parking, littering, vending in prohibited areas, as well as the safety and health protocols.
Golden rules
In Talisay City, policemen have been reminded to always observe what the Talisay City Police Station calls as the “golden rules.”
Police Lt. Col. Gerard Ace Pelare, chief of Talisay City Police Station, said that among these rules is for policemen to be always willing to entertain the concerns of the public.
He said a simple greeting would go a long way.
Pelare said people who go to the station to seek help should not leave the place without getting any such help.
The so-called golden rules have been embodied in tarpaulins hanged in various spots in the city to remind the policemen of their duty and to apprise the public of their rights.
Police Corporal Aris Arao-Arao, desk officer of Talisay City police, said each time their team is able to help those in need, there is a sense of fulfillment.
He said this is part of their commitment to the help and to protect the public. —Gabriel C. Bonjoc/JMD (FREEMAN)