• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Philippine National Police (PNP) and Bureau of Fire and Protection (BFP) in Negros Occidental are now on heightened alert status in line with the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
The observance of alert status is part of the “Ligtas Paskuhan” campaign of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) and the BFP’s “Oplan Paalala: Iwas Paputok”.
In a press conference on Thursday, PCapt. Judesses Catalogo, NOCPPO spokesperson, said they will deploy patrol vehicles and personnel in places of convergence such as ports, bus terminals, and churches to ensure the safety of the public.
All vacation leaves of police personnel have been cancelled as part of the measures to maximize police visibility for the Christmas season across the province, he added.
Catalogo also reminded police personnel not to engage in indiscriminate firing as they welcome the new year.
“Violators will face dismissal from the service and additional criminal charges will be filed against them, if somebody may either be injured or killed, because of stray bullet,” he added.
In the past several years, NOCPPO has not recorded any incident of indiscriminate firing involving police officers, Catalogo said.
FSupt. Jenny Mae Masip, officer-in-charge of BFP-Negros Occidental, said all BFP personnel should render duties, except those on sick leave.
Masip said the BFP will be on full alert status from Dec. 22 to Jan. 2.
Starting Dec. 15, Masip said they will temporarily suspend the conduct of fire inspections for businesses renewing their permits.
“This is intended for firefighters to focus on implementing safety measures during the holiday season,” she added. | GB
