DIPOLOG CITY - The
Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Police Office (ZNPPO) has started intensifying
its security in preparation for the incoming Holy Week celebration and summer
vacation.
ZNPPO
Officer-in-Charge, Police Senior Superintendent James Buslig Mejia recently
told the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) that “the closing of the school
year and other occasions such as the observance of the Holy Week, town fiestas
and Flores de Mayo are expected to generate an exodus of commuters and tourists
who will be traveling from one place to another which may pose peace and order
concerns like traffic congestions, accidents and crimes.”
Mejia
said the ZNPPO started its comprehensive security operations for the Lenten
Season and Summer Vacation (SUMVAC) to ensure the safe, peaceful and meaningful
celebration and vacation of local and foreign tourists who will be coming to
the province.
“Whether
there is threat or not, the PNP provincial command is not taking any chances,
it is prepared and committed to provide security to everybody,” Mejia declared.
Mejia
said he has already ordered all PNP units in the cities and municipalities to
re-activate “Oplan Bantay Lakbay” to ensure the safe travel of motorists and
commuters to their various destinations.
He
also expected all municipal police stations throughout the province to
intensify their Police Integrated Patrol System (PIPS) and Police Assistance
Centers (PACs) to be established under the “Oplan Bantay Lakbay” in any strategic
locations and major thoroughfares to serve as quick reaction points for police
emergency and medical response, advance command post for traffic management and
security operations.
He
also advised all chiefs of police to disseminate to the public the PNP hotlines
and other contact numbers for emergency situation.
Likewise,
Mejia urges the public to initiate other security measures like ensuring that
their houses are well secure and take extra precautions against lawless
elements during the long weekends.
He
assured the public that police authorities will be on guard to protect lives
and properties and continue its mandate to pursue the preservation of peace and
order especially during the observance of Holy Week and the whole summer
vacation. (PIA9)
