More cops deployed in Central Visayas ahead of holiday season

CEBU, Philippines — With more people expected to head outdoors during the Christmas season amid the easing of quarantine restrictions, the Police Regional Office (PRO) in Central Visayas said it has started the deployment of personnel in public places to thwart criminals.

The PRO-7 is wary of a possible spike in crimes in the region during the holidays.

As early as now, Police Lt. Colonel Maria Aurora Rayos, PRO-7 information officer, said cops were already deployed in different areas in the region.

She said the security measures will be doubled in the coming weeks.

"Ang pagpatuman nato sa peace and order during the holiday season, nakalatag na gyud na sya og gani gipahatag na nato ang mando gikan sa atong regional director down sa atong city directors, provincial directors," she said.

In the past years, robbery, snatching and other petty crimes increased during the so-called “ber” months

Rayos said there is no letup in PRO-7’s fight against criminalities.

"Despite nga gibukasan na og hinay-hinay ang mga malls nato,ang atong mga tourist destinations, apan atong nga kapolisan wa gihapon nagluag sa atong seguridad,the more na hinuon,nga hugtan pa gyud nato,"she said.

In Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), Police Lt. Colonel Wilbert Parilla, deputy city director for operations, said city cops will be detailed at malls and other crowded areas.

He said this is part of their advance planning for the holiday season.

"We have also fliers, we have information dissemination so atong mga stations, have already disseminated sa atoang safety specially sa atong mga ATMs,kay mao sad ni siya ang mostly daghang crimes na maigo,"said Parilla.

He said authorities can now easily track inbound travelers due to the city’s quarantine requirements. — KQD (FREEMAN)