Leyte police step up security for tourists

POLICE in Leyte have stepped up their public safety plan for visitors in the province through their “Ligtas Sumvac (Summer Vacation) 2019.”

“The plan will involve all police operations on road safety and motorist assistance, route security, traffic management, and anti-criminality along major travel routes, places of convergence, and tourist destinations,” said acting Leyte Provincial Police Office (LPPO) Director Rolando Bade.

The tourist attractions include Kalanggaman Island in Palompon; MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park in Pawing, Palo, Leyte; Canigao Island in Matalom; and Cuatro Islas in Inopacan, Leyte.

“LPPO police steps up its security and public safety measures for the entire summer vacation to be able to enjoy their vacation trip to different parts of Leyte,” said Bade.

He reminded travelers to go to seaports and airports earlier than the usual since longer queues are expected due to stricter security protocols.

He also urged the public to refrain from posting their vacation plans on social media, saying “thieves are also monitoring social media accounts to look for victims.”

Bade advised the travelers to properly lock their houses and ask a trustworthy neighbor to watch over them.

In Tacloban alone, City Police Director Michael David has deployed 185 personnel to ensure the safety of tourists.

“We have 14 police assistance desks established with personnel on detail 24/7 to immediately assist the public. Checkpoints are established on a daily basis and being rotated along four main entrance and exit points in Tacloban City to preempt any untoward incident during the summer vacation,” David said.

As a center of commerce in Eastern Visayas, Tacloban has two major bus terminals, one domestic airport, several malls, tourist spots, universities and government offices.

Operational guidelines are also set to secure vital installations such as geothermal power plant in Kananga, Leyte, among others, and implement target hardening measures in public infrastructure, transportation terminals, commercial establishments, airports, and seaports.

Leyte Provincial Police Office’s security plan started during school break through the Holy Week in April, and throughout the fiestas and Flores de Mayo season in May, overlapping the entire five-month election period (January 13 to June 12), until the opening of classes in June when students go back to the urban centers from the provinces.

“During the aforementioned activities, the movement of people can cause traffic congestion and vehicular accidents along major thoroughfares, business and commercial centers, and recreational areas. Also criminals, especially burglars, pickpockets, thieves and other threat groups usually may take advantage of these situations by engaging in criminal and nefarious activities,” said Bade. (SunStar Philippines)

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