THE Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) deployed a total of 1,000 personnel with force multipliers to guard the public during this year’s “kalag-kalag.”
Supt. David Señor, CCPO chief for operations, said that the leaves of police officers were suspended as they are on red alert to deal with the anticipated number of people who will visit cemeteries.
“Not only police officers are involved in the security but more volunteers are helping us guard cemeteries and bus terminals,” Señor said.
He said that more than 10 officers are detailed in every major cemetery in the city, 24 hours a day.
Senior Supt. Dennis Agustin, deputy director for operations of the Police Regional Office 7, distributed fliers in terminals and piers yesterday to remind the public of safety precautions.
“You have to guard your children and your valuables. It’s better if you don’t bring many things and put identification tags on your kids. Umbrellas and raincoats are also important,” Agustin said.
He said that motorists or drivers of jeepneys, buses and other vehicles should check their units if these are road-worthy.
“We have to memorize ‘BLOW BAGETS,’ which means battery, lights, oil, water, brakes, air, gas, early warning device, tools and self,” Agustin said.
So far, he said, they have not received any threats.
He also advised the public to double-check the locks of doors and windows in their houses as burglars are bound to strike while their in the cemeteries.
Chief Insp. Mercy Villaro, Mandaue City Police Office spokesperson, echoed Agustin’s reminder that if parents insist on bringing their children along, they should let them wear an identification card with a contact number.
That way, their parents will easily located if they ever get lost, she said.
She said they will set up a police assistance desk (PAD) near the entrance of cemeteries where parents can go if their children get lost.
Villaro said they will also announce if a child is brought to the PAD.
“If no one will claim the child within one to two hours, he/she will be brought to the police station,” Villaro said in Cebuano.
The MCPO will deploy some 319 police officers in the city’s eight public and private cemeteries and other strategic areas.
Some of them will be assigned in the North Bus Terminal, wharves, port, churches and other public places.
Villaro said that their numbers will be augmented by members of the Regional Public Safety Battalion and the Philippine Army.
She said the barangay tanods will also help.
Police officers were already in their areas of assignment starting yesterday.
Villaro advised people not to wear jewelries and not to bring unnecessary things.
She added that sharp and bladed weapons, liquor and sound systems are not allowed inside cemeteries.
Meanwhile, Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña asked the public to help heighten security in the next two days by reporting to authorities any suspicious elements or activities.
“Be aware of suspicious items left behind. If a basket is left on the ground and it wasn’t there five minutes ago, call the police. The design of an improvised explosive device is that it’s supposed to be unsuspecting,” he said.
“We are at risk. The terrorists had suffered a lot and if they want to make a statement, that has to be expected,” he added.
Councilor Dave Tumulak, deputy mayor for police matters said all security personnel, including those from the barangay intelligence network, are now in place.
He also asked the public not to bring bladed objects, including cleaning tools, inside the cemetery as these will be confiscated.
Aside from this, the councilor reminded the public to be mindful of their trash and not to smoke in public places.
Some 15 teams of barangay environmental officers will be fielded in all public and private cemeteries in the city to ensure that cleanliness is maintained. Citation tickets will be issued to those found violating the order.
