BACOLOD City – Senior Superintendent Rodolfo Castil, director of the Negros Occidental Provincial Police Office (Noppo), commended the public and his personnel for making the observance of Holy Weekin the province generally peaceful.
Noppo spokeswoman Police Inspector Charmae De Paz said there were no significant criminal incidents that happened in terminals, churches, tourist destinations, and other areas of convergence during the Christian celebration.
“The success of the recent Semana Santa celebration wouldn’t be possible without their vigilance and crime prevention through following PNP’s safety tips,” De Paz said.
Meanwhile, Noppo continued to be on alert status even after the founding anniversary of the New People’s Army last March 29.
“Noppo remains on alert status to thwart/repel any possible move of the communist terrorists,” the provincial police office said.
Overall, Holy Week in Western Visayas was relatively peaceful, according to the Police Regional Office (PRO-6), even if a man died while four others were injured in separate shootings in Negros Occidental on Good Friday and Black Saturday.
“We achieved our mission of having zero major crimes,” said Superintendent Gilbert Gorero, spokesperson of the regional police. “We congratulate PRO-6’s men and women who worked hard.”
Gorero cited volunteers in the barangays who made sure their communities remained safe.
PRO-6 mobilized 5,000 police personnel and tapped around 4,000 volunteers.
“We deployed our personnel to different areas…We are thankful for the cooperation of the public,” said Gorero.
Police Assistance Desks and checkpoints were set up./PN
