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Saturday, December 27, 2003
PRO 6 heightens alert during holidays
By Ruby P. Silubrico
ALL police units in Western Visayas will be on a heightened alert starting today and throughout the Christmas holidays to preempt untoward incidents, Chief Supt. George Ali¤o, regional police director, said.
Ali¤o said the police will conduct both foot and mobile patrols to ensure the safety of the public especially in shopping and entertainment areas.
He also instructed all provincial and city directors to keep a tight watch over vital installations, seaports, airports and bus terminals.
Although the threat is not much, "we still would like to make sure that the people are safe."
Ali¤o asked the cooperation of the community in maintaining peace and order during the holidays.
Ceasefire
The police is on a heightened alert even as President Macapagal-Arroyo had earlier ordered the suspension of offensive military operations (Somo) against the New People's Army.
Arroyo said the Somo is a "recommendation of the defense and military organizations as a sign of their support for the peace process."
The communist rebels also declared a ceasefire with government from Dec. 20 to Jan. 4.
Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) spokesman Gregorio "Ka Roger" Rosal said: "The NPA (New People's Army) is ordered not to launch any form of military action against the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines), PNP(Philippine National Police) and paramilitary groups during the ceasefire."
"But if we are invaded and disturbed in our zones, we will be forced to defend ourselves," Rosal said.
'Don't fire your guns'
Moreover, Ali¤o warned policemen against firing their guns during the Christmas and New Year's eve or else they will face both administrative and criminal charges.
A policeman caught firing their guns will be dismissed from service, he said.
Police units will conduct an inspection on Dec. 30 to check whether policemen have fired their guns or not.
(December 24, 2003 issue)
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