48 Bacolod cops, force multipliers deployed for ‘Simbang Gabi’

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) has deployed 48 policemen to man 24 Churches here for Simbang Gabi starting December 16 until December 24.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Sherlock Gabana, public information officer of BCPO, said four police officers were stationed at the San Sebastian Cathedral, considering its location in front of the public plaza, where influx of mass goers is anticipated.

Gabana said that two cops were deployed each in police assistance desks in other Churches here.

Gabana said they also tapped force multipliers to augment the police in ensuring peace and order and the observance of the minimum health protocols in Churches amid the pandemic.

Barangay watchmen were also advised to conduct roving patrol in their respective villages, he added.

Aside from these deployments, mobile and beat patrollers continue to conduct police visibility patrol in some areas, particularly dimly-lit portion of the streets, including shopping malls and transport terminals.

Gabana said that policemen will also be deployed on New Year’s Eve.

Meanwhile, the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (Nocppo) also deployed some of their personnel for the yuletide season starting December 16.

Police Lieutenant Abegael Donasco, Nocppo’s public information officer, said that Police Colonel Romy Palgue, Nocppo director has already directed police chiefs to conduct visibility patrol in line with Oplan Ligtas Paskuhan in the province.