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Monday, March 29, 2004
PNP draws up Oplan Semana Santa
By Roberto L. Bacasong and Claudine C. Dumalag
* All seaports should be secured at all times, particularly during the Holy Week -- a time that might be used by terrorists to sow atrocities
ALL Maritime, Army and police units in Negros Occidental, including Bacolod City, are on heightened alert for the observance of the Holy Week on the second week of April.
Dubbed "Oplan Semana Santa", the preparations of various law enforcement units are aimed at thwarting possible terrorist attacks from any rebel or armed groups.
The Philippine Coast Guard in Bacolod City, headed by its provincial head Lt. Commander Harold Jarder, disclosed that sea marshals were deployed in some shipping companies as a big number of passengers are expected to come home and leave the province for the Holy Week.
He said all seaports should be secured at all times, particularly during the Holy Week, a time that might be used by terrorists to sow atrocities.
"Considering that it is also election time, we have to really secure the passengers," Jarder said.
The sea marshals, he added, are composed of six members from the Manila-Maritime, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and personnel of the PNP.
Moreover, Jarder said they are coordinating with the shipping companies by establishing the "Passengers Assistance Center or Booths" to assist passengers, especially tourists, and provide security.
Jarder said the putting up of the center is also in coordination with the Bacolod City Police Office.
Senior Insp. Greg Rico Togonon, station commander of the Marigroup based in Barangay Banago, on the other hand, said they are conducting continuous visibility patrol operations within the wharfs of the Bacolod Real Estate Development Corporation and along Negros Navigation in Barangay Banago.
The Marigroup will also assist the security personnel of every shipping company in conducting body searches among the passengers and checking the luggage of passengers in the arrival and departure areas.
As for the Bacolod City Police Office, Senior Supt. Mario Avenido, city police director, disclosed that he will meet with the 10 police station commanders on Monday to discuss their preparations during the Holy Week.
Avenido said they will reactivate the "Oplan Semana Santa" for the safety of both observers and vacationists.
He said he will also meet with the Aviation Security Group of the Bacolod Airport.
Avenido appealed to Bacoleños to observe the Lenten celebration peacefully and coordinate with the authorities in case a crime is being committed.
He added that prowl cars will be deployed in their respective areas of jurisdiction with the help of the village tanods.
(March 27, 2004 issue)
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