THE Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) goes on full alert this Christmas season, especially during the celebration of dawn masses or the nine-day “Simbang Gabi” in Catholic churches starting Monday, December 16.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Ariel Pico, spokesperson of BCPO, said they were placed on “full alert” starting Sunday, December 15, and will maintain this status until January 5.

“It’s timely that we received a total of 50 organic personnel and 113 police trainees from Police Regional Office-Western Visayas who will undergo field training program (FTP),” he said.

He added the augmentation personnel will be deployed to various areas, especially to churches to secure churchgoers.

Pico noted the station commanders were tasked to put up a police assistance desk in all churches within their areas of jurisdiction.

BCPO also tapped the assistance of Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams (BPAT), village watchmen and other anti-crime volunteer groups to maintain the peace and order in the city during the Christmas holidays.

Pico said the station commanders were also directed to intensify their visibility patrol operations to pre-empt the possible activities pickpockets and robbery holdup suspects.

He said policemen will also be deployed to various bus terminals and sea ports.

Pico also reminded churchgoers not to bring valuables with them as these will only lure criminal elements.