7,699 cops secure Ilocos visitors in Lenten season; no major crimes committed

By Freddie Lazaro

CAMP FLORENDO, San Fernando City, La Union – The Ilocos Regions was generally peaceful during the Lenten Season after some 7,699 cops and force multipliers were deployed in strategic places in Region 1 to secure visitors and residents this Lenten season, according to Police Regional Office-1 Director Brig. Gen. John C. Chua.
    Chua said the PRO-1 activated its security plan “Ligtas SUMVAC” to accelerate its law enforcement initiatives and anti-criminality stance ahead of the observance of the Lenten season.
    He added the comprehensive security plans on traffic management and personnel deployment are already in place to ensure public safety services to the community before, during, and after the observance of Holy Week and other holidays and important events thereafter.
    Intelligence monitoring efforts, implementation of road safety measures and traffic management, and deployment of police assistance desks, especially in major public transport terminals, airports, churches, shopping malls, and other places of convergence were intensified.
    “The police personnel and force multipliers were assigned in places of convergence, transportation hubs, tourist destinations, and road construction areas in anticipation of the influx of motorists and tourists who will be visiting the region,” he said.

    He also ordered maximized police visibility and strengthened beat patrols for crime deterrence and accessible public assistance.

    The deployment of Tourist Police Units in tourist destinations region-wide in coordination with LGUs, local tourism councils and Dept. of Tourism complemented this security initiative.

    “We have been doing several early preparations to ensure the peaceful observance of the Lenten season. Rest assured that we will maximize our efforts to make sure that everyone will enjoy the summer vacation,” Chua said.

    He appealed to the public to support the police by following the implemented rules and regulations in the area and observing precautionary measures against criminals.

    Meanwhile, the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council in Region 1 and its local DRMMCs were placed on heightened alert to anticipate any untoward incident in the observance of the Lenten season in the region