NEGROS Occidental Police Provincial Office (Nocppo) will intensify their border control operations in response to the upcoming MassKara Festival in Bacolod City.
According to Nocppo Director Colonel Romeo Baleros, the intensified border control is part of their support to the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) to prevent criminals from entering the province specifically in the city.
Baleros said during recent planning operations it was agreed upon that they will conduct checkpoints along the city's points of entry and exit.
Following the recent seizure of P1.4 million of shabu in San Carlos City earlier this week, Baleros said they are looking into strengthening the province's ports.
He said he has already forwarded a request to create a K-9 unit which would be used for baggage checks for passengers visiting Negros Occidental via the province's seaports.
Baleros said he is hoping every port will have a minimum of two K-9 units assigned, one specifically trained to sniff illegal drugs, and another for explosives.
He has also issued an order for all personnel to coordinate with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and register as voters.
Baleros said the order came directly from the national headquarters, wherein all police personnel are required to register with the Comelec as they are also required to exercise their right to vote every election.
He said that during the previous election, out of the 1,800 police men who are permanently posted in the province, only 500 were able to cast their votes.
Baleros said with the Philippine National Police (PNP) now numbering at around 220,000 personnel, he believes they will be able to contribute a large number of votes during the 2022 national elections.
He added any personnel who fails to register with the Comelec could face administrative sanctions for disobeying lawful orders.