Cops in Cebu City quarantine control points converted into roving patrols

Police Lieutenant Colonel Wilbert Parilla, deputy director for operations of the Cebu City Police Office.

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Cops assigned to at least 80 quarantine control points around different barangays here are now converted to roving patrols to ensure implementation of health protocols and to serve as a proactive measure in securing the city against criminal activities.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Wilbert Parilla, deputy director for operations of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), said that those police personnel assigned in these quarantine control points are now team leaders who will roam around their respective areas of jurisdiction in coordination with the barangay’s security public officer.

In this way, Parilla said that they will be able to ensure that the minimum health protocols are properly observed as they continue to do their part in helping reduced the number of COVID-19 cases in the city.

As of November 7, 2021, the Department of Health in Central Visayas (DoH-7) logged seven new cases in Cebu City, bringing its total number to 285 active cases.

Earlier, Parilla said that they have recorded at least nine crime incidents in the last week of October, which they anticipate to be lower in the coming days.

READ: Cebu City cops to intensify operations ahead of holiday season

Parilla said that one of the biggest factors that helped them sustain their efforts in both reducing the transmission of the virus here and lessening the crime rate is the curfew implemented. This is why the Cebu City police, according to Parilla, prefers that for now, the city government won’t lift the curfew, which is from 11:30 p.m. to 4:00 a.m.

READ: Curfew lifting in Cebu City may be gradual — Rama

But he also said that they will comply with what will be agreed upon after their meeting with city officials.

With this, Parilla reminds the public that despite the eased restrictions, city policemen continue to strictly implement the protocols, including the wearing of face masks, following the curfew, and observing social distancing.

READ: CCPO: Curfew keeps crime low

/bmjo