Nocppo on full alert for holiday season

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (Nocppo) is on full alert for the holiday season, maximizing 2,300 personnel for public safety.

Police Capt. Judesses Catalogo, public information officer of Nocppo, said all personnel, except those with valid reasons or medical concerns, are not allowed to file a leave of absence.

Catalogo said the deployment of personnel per locality will depend on each police station.

Police assistance desks will be established in areas of convergence such as shopping malls, churches, transport terminals, plazas, seaports and other public places where there is an influx of people.

Catalogo reminded the public to ensure the safety of their homes when leaving for parties or gatherings to prevent criminal elements from having an opportunity to strike.

He said beach resorts will also be guarded as they anticipate people gathering for family occasions.

He also encouraged the public to use alternative noise makers for New Year instead of firecrackers, which are hazardous.

Catalogo said the full alert status also reminds police officers to be on guard following the killing of Police Senior Master Sgt. Rommel Aguilar, a personnel of the 1st Negros Occidental Provincial Mobile Force Company, who was gunned down by New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Calatrava town on Dec. 7.

The alert status will remain until January, after the end of the holiday season, according to Catalogo.