Sunday, December 21, 2008 Public urged to stay vigilant By Jovi T. De Leon
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- In the midst of preparations for the Giant Lantern Festival Centennial at Robinsons Starmills Saturday, police officials have urged the public to stay alert and vigilant starting now and the rest of the holidays.
The warning was against "decently dressed" rouges, pickpockets, "bukas-kotse" gangs, carjackers and other criminal elements who would be out to take advantage of the thousands expected to watch the world renowned Fernandino lanterns in the annual "Ligligan Parul."
Last week, Provincial Police Director Keith Ernald Singian led the deployment of bomb sniffing Santa dogs handled by Santa cops to beef up security in malls and other commercial centers where people converge and frequent during this holiday season.
But police officials say it needs the public's support to make their security and safety campaigns successful.
Also last week, the police launched Oplan Twin Rider to curb crimes perpetuated by rouges riding in tandem, together with an all out plant seeking to clamp down on carjackers.
A police official told Sun.Star that it would be helpful if people themselves take on a heightened level of vigilance to avert any untoward incident or any crime perpetuated by criminal elements.
Santa cops, Santa dogs, and hundreds of policemen have been deployed to ensure public safety and protection. But police said these will be more successful if the public would also take measures avoiding any crime from happening.
