BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Police Regional Office 6 is mobilizing 5,963 of its personnel to secure tourist destination areas in Panay and Negros, with the onset of summer vacation in the Western Visayas.
Although gatherings such as town fiestas and other significant events are still not allowed, PRO6 must be ready to tighten security due to the reopening of more tourist destinations for the locals, regional police chief Brig. Gen. Rolando Miranda said in a statement issued by the PRO 6 Public Information Office.
“Our deployment would be adjusted based on the guidelines set by IATF but on our end, we have to prepare for any possibilities this early” Miranda said.
Other activities being observed also during the summer season are Holy Week; Philippine Veterans Week, Araw ng Kagitingan, Labor Day; National Flag Day and Flores de Mayo.
Miranda said that 963 personnel will also secure churches, transport terminals, seaports, malls, tourist destination and other places of convergence from threats of terrorism, criminal groups and other individuals who may take advantage of the situation.
They have been also tasked to strictly impose maximum health protocols, to contain the spread of COVID-19.
Aside from PNP personnel, PRO 6 is also deploying 11, 682 force multipliers who will augment the uniformed personnel in securing their respective areas of responsibility.
Stressing that the pandemic is not yet over, although some restrictions were lifted and they are prepared in terms of security, Miranda issued an appeal to the general public to still follow health protocols while enjoying their summer vacation.*