Security up in ports, transport hubs for Undas

By: Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the local police here and in Negros Occidental are on heightened alert for the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day on Nov 1 and 2, respectively.

Lieutenant Rockliff Buling, PCG-Negros Occidental head, said 130 personnel and 50 augmentation personnel from PCG auxiliaries will be deployed in different sea ports here and in the province.

Buling said the PCG will put up passenger assistance centers at sea ports in Bacolod Real Estate Development Corp. (Bredco), Banago here, cities of Escalante, Sagay, Cadiz, and San Carlos, and Pulupandan town.

He said bomb and narcotics- sniffing detection dogs will also be placed at sea ports to prevent entry of any contraband and to avoid untoward incidents.

There will also be mandatory inspection in bus terminals and other transportation hubs to ensure the safety of the passengers, he added.

He said they are expecting the influx of people starting October 31. He reminded passengers to check weather updates before traveling.

Meanwhile, the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) and Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (Nocppo) here will deploy more than 2,000 police officers in highways, cemeteries, and streets.

Police Colonel Romeo Baleros, Nocppo director, said that 90 percent of the more than 1,900 Nocppo personnel will be deployed while 500 BCPO personnel will also be utilized to provide security for Undas.

The remaining policemen will stay at the police stations to cater the needs of the public for assistance.

Baleros said police assistance desks will be placed in cemeteries starting October 31 to prevent the entry of liquor, gambling paraphernalia, bladed weapons, and other contraband.

He also assured the public that police will properly guard their houses through the deployment of mobile and foot patrol teams which will roam around the villages.

Moreover, the Highway Patrol Group will also put up motorists assistance hub to ensure the safety of the motorists and to immediately respond to any untoward incidents.