• RICHARD T. CABALLERO JR.
The Negros Occidental Provincial Police Office (NOCPPO) has placed its forces on full alert as the holiday season approaches, while the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in the province set to elevate its alert status starting December 15.
In a press conference yesterday, NOCPPO spokesperson PCapt. Judesses Catalogo stated that police personnel have been mobilized to ensure public safety throughout the holiday season.
“On our deployment plan, patrol cars will be mobilized in crowded areas. We will also be providing security on our ports, churches, and other public spaces to ensure the safety and well-being of the public,” he emphasized, noting that the NOCPPO has been on full alert status since the beginning of December.
Meanwhile, BFP-Negros Occidental is preparing to raise its alert level to heightened status starting December 15, with full alert scheduled from December 22 until January 2.
FSupt. Jenny Mae Masip explained that the fire service is actively assigning personnel to key fire prone areas during the holiday period.
Masip added that starting December 15, BFP personnel will cease conducting fire inspections for businesses renewing their permits. “This was intended for firefighters to focus on implementing safety measures during the holiday season,” she said.
Both the Philippine National Police (PNP) and BFP have mandated their personnel to remain on duty throughout the holiday period.
“It is a precautionary and the standard operating procedures observed by the PNP that we will not allow our personnel to leave during the Christmas season. All our personnel are available to respond during emergencies,” Catalogo explained.
“Starting December 15 personnel of BFP are not allowed to go on leave,” Masip also confirmed.
The two agencies are coordinating closely with the Department of Health (DOH) to ensure that hospitals and healthcare services remain accessible in case of emergencies during the holiday season.
The deployment of full alert status aims to prevent major crimes and incidents during Christmas and New Year’s Eve, ensuring a safe and secure celebration for all.*
