The holiday season and the celebration of “Misa de Gallo” in the Cordillera were generally peaceful, according to the Police Regional Office-Cordillera from December 16 to 25.
As part of proactive measures to ensure peace and order as the New Year’s celebrations approach, Brig.Gen.David Peredo, Jr., regional director, ordered the continued deployment of 1,247 policemen to further enhance security measures through increased police visibility and regular patrols in key areas throughout the region.
According to the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division (RIDMD), a total of 22 crimes were reported in the region (8 index crimes and 14 non-index crimes).
Apart from that, no significant incidents were reported as the community gathered for the annual “Misa de Gallo” celebration, as well as during the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day celebrations.
With the intensified security measures, crime incidents in the region during the Christmas season showed a significant decrease compared to the same period last year, recording a total of 56 crimes (22 index crimes and 34 non-index crimes).
According to Peredo, the police force remains on high alert status, to ensure that the rest of the holiday season is celebrated safely.
He said that as part of the preparations for the New Year celebration, police units are coordinating with the Bureau of Fire Protection and the Department of Health to implement safety measures, aimed at preventing firecracker-related injuries and property damage.
In Baguio City, the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) is on heightened alert this holiday season.
BCPO Director Col. Ruel Tagel said that since December 1, the police force has beefed up the safety and security measures in the city with the various activities leading to the Christmas and New Year celebrations and the influx of tourists in the city.
Tagel said the BCPO strengthened the crime prevention and crime solution strategies to ensure a safe and peaceful Baguio City during the holiday season.
Among the strategies they are employing is the increased police visibility especially in areas of engagements such as parks, malls, churches and even the roads.
The police also continue the “Oplan Tambuli” or the constant reminder and educate the public on safety and security measures thru the public address system.
They also strengthened the use of social media through the various posts and advisories in their pages including the PIO Baguio City and other social media platforms to provide relevant information to the public.
They are also using the installed CCTVs by the city government to monitor situation in various areas in the city.
