BY MAI LADIAO
ILOILO – As this year’s season of Lent approaches, the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) is fully prepared and operational to ensure the safety and security of residents and tourists alike.
“All systems go na ang Iloilo Police Provincial Office in line sa aton nga preparations for the observance sang Holy Week,” Major Rolando Araño, spokesperson for the IPPO, said in an interview.
He assured that comprehensive preparations have been made, such as the deployment of police officers and the establishment of police assistance desks at major terminals and sea ports across the province.
This, he said, aims to enhance security measures and visibility, as well as provide assistance to travelers.
“May ara kita mga deployment kag may ara kita ipamutang nga mga police assistance desks sa tanan nga terminals kag seaports within the province of Iloilo,” he said.
Furthermore, the IPPO has prioritized the deployment of police officers at churches, beach resorts, inland resorts, and parks, recognizing these locations as popular destinations for both tourists and locals during the holiday season.
Araño emphasized the importance of police visibility and monitoring to deter criminal activities such as theft.
“At the same time, ang aton sini nga mga monitoring knowing nga this is a long weekend, we expect nga ang aton sini nga mga kauturan nagalakat, upod ang bug-os nga pamilya, kinahanglan gid nga bantayan naton para mapalayo sa mga malain nga elemento like mga makawat,” he added.
Special attention is being given to the security of seaports in the towns of Carles and Concepcion, which are frequented by tourists.
In addition to enhancing security measures, Araño issued the following series of guidelines and recommendations:
* Secure doors and locks before leaving the house to prevent theft.
* Install closed-circuit television cameras for remote monitoring of homes while away.
* Encourage barangays or streets to install streetlights for improved visibility and safety.
* Coordinate with neighbors to watch over each other’s homes during extended absences.
* Seek guidance and assistance from local police authorities in case of any suspicious activities or emergencies./PN
