BCPO to deploy 200 cops for holidays

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

 

BACOLOD City – The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) here will initially deploy 200 personnel in time for the holiday season.

Lieutenant Colonel Ariel Pico, BCPO’s public information officer, said they have already deployed police officers to shopping malls since December 1, and will assign more to churches soon for the safety of church goers in time for the Simbang Gabi.

Pico said they are just waiting for the approval of the request of churches to adjust curfew hours from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. instead of the existing curfew hours from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m.

Pico said some personnel to be assigned in streets will be taken from the police stations covering their area of jurisdiction.

“We will also deploy additional personnel in transport terminals to ensure the safety of the riding public,” he added.

Pico said they also requested from the City Emergency Operations Center to pull out more than 100 police contact tracers, to be deployed for the Christmas and New Year’s Day celebrations.

Two cops will also be assigned in each police assistance desk in various areas to assist the public for any concern.

Pico noted that policemen will be more visible to ensure that everybody is observing the health protocols amid the pandemic during the holidays.