SOME 34,000 policemen will be deployed throughout the country under the PNP’s Oplan Ligtas Sumvac (summer vacation) to ensure the safety of the public.
PNP spokeswoman Col. Jean Fajardo said the personnel to be deployed include some 7,000 tourist policemen who will help secure major tourist destinations.
Fajardo said the PNP is in the final stage of its preparations for Oplan Ligtas Sumvac, adding its “just a matter of harmonizing” their efforts.
“Initially, we have 43,000 PNP personnel who will be deployed for Oplan Sumvac. However, this will be adjusted, depending on the peace and order environment on the ground,” said Fajardo.
“Our police regional directors are given the wide discretion to adjust their security deployment, depending on the security environment in their respective AORs (areas of responsibility),” added Fajardo.
Fajardo said the policemen who would be deployed would guard not only tourist spots but also transportation terminals, expressways and major transport points.
Fajardo said the PNP will also step up its anti-crime operations to prevent thieves from breaking into the houses of people who will be going on vacation.
Fajardo said policemen will also be guarding churches during the Holy Week. He said police assistance desks would be set up in the vicinity of churches during the period.
She also asked the public to be vigilant against scammers who might be offering cheap airfare tickets and hotel accommodations.
Fajardo said there was still no order from the PNP leadership to raise higher alert status.
“But as a normal practice, the regional directors have the authority to adjust the level of alert level in their respective areas,” said Fajardo.
