BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL G. BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) has already completed its security preparations for the holidays.
According to NOCPPO spokesperson, Police Lt. Judesses Catalogo, police personnel deployments will begin early Friday morning next week, Dec. 16, with the start of the “Simbang Gabi”.
The deployments are part of the “Oplan: Kapaskuhan” of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Cops will set up assistance desks at the churches in the province to oversee the security of worshippers.
Cops will also be deployed in the province’s ports as well as the Bacolod-Silay Airport.
Places of convergence such as shopping malls and other business establishments will also be guarded to prevent any untoward incidents.
Catalogo reminded the public not to hesitate to contact the police if they find any suspicious packages that were left unattended.
He also advised them not to carry items that might attract the attention of thieves and robbers.
Meanwhile, Catalogo warned the public about the circulation of counterfeit currency during the holiday season.
He advised the public, especially business owners, to check and make sure that the money they receive is not fake.
So far in Negros Occidental, Catalogo said they have yet to monitor any fake money circulating, although the PNP’s national headquarters had already issued a warning last week.
PNP spokesperson, Police Col. Jean Fajardo, earlier advised the public to transact with legitimate and authorized money changers./PN
