A white sand beach in Sta. Fe, Bantayan Island in northern Cebu. | CDN Digital file photo | Brian Ochoa
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Around thirty policemen will be deployed in Bantayan Island and the Hagnaya Port in San Remegio town in northern Cebu starting this Wednesday, March 24, to ensure strict security enforcement during the Holy Week celebration, Cebu Police Provincial Office (CPPO) Director Alladin Collado said.
The deployment of the augmentation team under their “Lakbay Alalay” program, Collado said, is meant secure areas where tourists are expected to converge.
In 2020, Holy Week-related activities planned in Bantayan Island were canceled due to the coronavirus disease pandemic.
READ: Coronavirus cancels Bantayan, Minglanilla Lenten traditions
Aside from the deployment of augmentation teams, CPPO will also ensure the implementation of “Oplan Sumvac” that was created to ensure safe travel for those who are going on summer vacation.
During the Holy Week, “Oplan Sumvac” will be implemented with “Lakbay- Alalay” wherein police officers will ensure the safety and security of travelling motorists, commuters, and tourists and visit places of convergence to enforce minimum health protocols.
READ: Police in Cebu province ready Holy Week security plans
In line with this, Collado said that they will already start with the deployment of augmentation teams on Wednesday. Additional policemen will be sent to Bantayan Island that is divided into three municipalities – Sta. Fe, Bantayan, and Madridejos.
“Magdadagdag po tayo ng mga tao dyan. You know, Bantayan during Holy Week is pinupuntahan talaga ng tao. So, ngayon magdadagdag tayo ng tao doon para sa security at safety ng mga tao.”
(We will be sending an augmentation team to the island. Bantayan Island is a favorite destination during the Holy Week. We will be sending additional policemen for the security and safety of the people there.)
Collado said that their security plans are also coordinated with the Philippine Coast Guard.
READ: CPPO: Security plan for Holy Week 2021 already set
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