Saturday, December 15, 2007 Mandaue needs more cops for Christmas activities
THE Mandaue City police is asking for 16 more policemen in preparation for the Christmas season, as they will focus on areas where people will converge.
Acting City Police Chief Rodel Calungsud, in his letter to Police Regional Director Ronald Roderos, said that with the Christmas revelers, “peace and order will naturally be affected with criminals taking advantage.”
Calungsud is requesting two teams, with eight members each, from the Regional Mobile Group (RMG) 7. The PNP Regional Office (PRO) 7 is yet to approve his request.
MCPO operations head Supt. Gil del Prado said the city has eight Catholic churches that will hold daily dawn masses starting this Sunday.
Augmentation
Four hours before the first dawn mass, or Saturday midnight, Mayor Jonas Cortes will lead the ceremonial lighting of the Mandaue City Plaza.
Del Prado said the city’s around 300 policemen are not enough to secure all the churches, plazas and other converging areas so they requested for augmentation forces.
If their request is granted, del Prado said he prefers that the additional policemen be assigned at the North Bus Terminal, shopping malls, vital installations like oil depots and churches.
Del Prado urged all residents to be vigilant this coming season and not to leave their house unoccupied when attending dawn masses. They should also be watchful where they park their cars in the church grounds.
He also warned them to be extra cautious in crowded places where pickpockets are sure to take advantage. (OCP)
