This was disclosed by PSupt Kenneth H. Mission, deputy provincial director for operations of Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Police Office (ZSPPO) during an interview with the Philippine Information Agency on Monday, Feb. 17.
Mission said preventive measures conducted by the PNP include random checkpoints and intensified intelligence operations amid reported movement of threat groups within the province especially that ‘Araw ng Sibugay’ is approaching.
The threat groups referred by Mission were the CNN (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front), formerly known as communist terrorists (CTs) in military reports, and other lawless groups out to sow fear and terror among civilians, and destabilize the government. “But they don’t seem as active as before,” he added.
He also said a security plan has already been organized by the PNP for the celebration of “Araw ng Sibugay”.
“Our PNP elements have different posts in the area especially on the actual site and other areas of engagement. So they will be deployed in strategic areas during the celebration since our security plan has already been approved,” he said.
Asked on the establishment of checkpoints in the province, Mission said “it serves as a deterrent to criminal elements and to check on vehicles particularly motorcycles because of the rampant carnapping incidents which are being used to perpetrate other crimes,” Mission concluded.