More 1,000 police and volunteers deployed for Bicol PNP summer program

April 16, 2019

More than 1,000 police and volunteer groups were deployed in the Bicol region for Philippine National Police's (PNP) Oplan Ligtas Sumvac 2019.

Police Major Maria Luisa Calubaquib, the Bicol region spokesperson, a total of 5,724 PNP personnel and 7,404 force multipliers were deployed to ensure public order and security in the region.

Police will safeguard places of convergence, transportation hubs including ports and terminals and highways leading to tourist spots.

"It also covers route security and the intensification of target hardening measures to include police visibility on vital installations, checkpoints, internal security operation and other police operations," Calubaquib added.

Bicol police also coordinated with other partner agencies, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) counterparts, local law enforcement officers, non- government agencies and radio group.

The preparation for Ligtas Sumvac 2019 of PNP aims to keep travelers, local residents, and local and foreign tourists' safety during the influx of people visiting the region for summer vacation.

Authorities are anticipating the need for tighter security during the Lenten season, Labor Day, National Flag Day, Flores de Mayo and the 2019 miderm elections on May 13.

"With this, PRO5 also tighten its law enforcement activities, focused law enforcement operations and enhanced crime investigation; aggressive operations against suspected terror groups and criminal gangs; and manhunt operations against wanted persons," Calubaquib said.

Police Brigadier General Arnel Escobal, Bicol regional director, advised the public to be vigilant against possible threat groups and lawless elements.

“We assure the public that the PNP will ensure this year’s summer vacation to be peaceful and secured as outlined in our anti-criminality campaign dubbed as “Oplan Ligtas Sumvac 2019”, Escobal said. Cristina Eloisa Baclig/DMS