BY: FAYETTE C. RIÑEN
CEBU CITY, April 16 (PIA) – Monitoring against entry of big-time criminal groups to Central Visayas especially in Cebu is being strengthened by the Regional Intelligence Division (RID) of the Police Regional Office (PRO-7) this the Holy Week break.
“We are closely coordinating with other intelligence units in our continuous monitoring against criminal groups that want to disrupt peace and order during the Holy Week,” said Police Senior Inspector Ma. Theresa Macatangay of the RID.
Macatangay also said policemen are deployed on covert operations to various locations especially in areas that are possible targets of criminal elements.
The police officer said they are holding Metro Cebu weekly conference to ensure that peace prevails this Lenten period while the PRO-7 is likewise, revitalizing and strengthening its intelligence network down to the barangay level.
In Cebu City, increased police visibility will be deployed near ATM areas to prevent possible hold-up robbery while the Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) is also focusing on seven areas where tourists are expected to converge, said Supt. Resty Santo of the CPPO’s Legal Service.
Santo said the seven areas are Moalboal, Daan Bantayan, Sta, Fe and Madridejos in Bantayan Island, San Francsico in Camotes Island, Badian and Oslob as these localities are where tourists flock for the summer vacation including the Holy Week break.
Senior Supt. Edward Carranza, chief of the Regional Directorial Staff of PRO-7 said the Metro Cebu Bankers Association suggested the police come up with the Metro Cebu Task Force (MCTF) to address the prevalence of crimes in Metro Cebu. The MCTF is a similar set up of a task force initiated by the Metro Manila Development Authority, said Carranza.
Meanwhile, police are also not letting their guard down on the possibility of an attack by the New People’s Army (NPA) during the Lenten Season. “We cannot discount that possibility” and
we continue to monitor and prepare for any eventuality, said Macatangay.
Macatangay said they are doing target hardening measures where police remain vigilant against possible attacks by armed rebels on vital installations. (mbcn/PIA-7)