Police intensify security at Carbon Market

CEBU, Philippines —  Security in Barangay Ermita, Cebu City has been heightened following the launching of “Pasko sa Carbon” Tuesday.

Police Major Kenneth Paul Albotra, Carbon Police Station chief, said over 20 cops are deployed in Carbon to ensure vendors and market-goers are compliant with the health protocols, and to maintain peace and order.

“More people are expected to flock to the market as the holiday season draws near. So our security is being strengthened,” he said.

Pasko sa Carbon is an annual celebration of great bounty and prosperous harvest for the vendors. It began in 2005.

The activity was cancelled last year due to the health crisis.

Carbon Pubic Market is among the busiest places in the city during the Christmas season as the prices of commodities are always significantly lower compared to those in supermarkets or even relative to other public markets.

Among the scheduled activities in this year’s Pasko sa Carbon are the nine-day Misa de Gallo at the market starting at 4 a.m. on December 16 and the ceremonial lighting of the market’s Christmas tree.

“Cops and force multipliers are detailed around Carbon and along MC Briones to intensify security,” said Albotra.

He said the station is also coordinating with the city market administrators whether or not to implement the “one-entrance, one-exit” policy at Carbon.

Moreover, he advised the public to be extra vigilant for pick-pocketers and other lawless elements who are rampant during the holiday season.

“Ato lang jud gipahugtan ang security karon,especially nga daghan ang mga tawo nga muanhi diria aron dili mupahimulos ang mga scrupulous individual ani nga mga activities sa pasko,” said Albotra. — KQD (FREEMAN)