After a “generally peaceful” celebration of Christmas in Bohol, police urged the public to maintain vigilance against any crime as another widely celebrated holiday approaches, New Year’s Day.
Camp Dagohoy reiterated its call for residents not to leave houses unattended or to tightly secure these in a bid to thwart criminals seeking to take advantage of the holiday bustle.
According to Bohol Provincial Police Office chief, Sr. Supt Felipe Natividad, tight security measures for the holidays will remain in place until the celebration of New Year’s Day.
Natividad assured the public that police forces remain on alert to respond to any distress calls particularly in malls and bus, airport and port terminals which remain congested for the holidays.
Earlier, the Philippine National Police (PNP) allowed its personnel to spend Christmas with their families but were put on-call to respond immediately to emergencies.
Meanwhile, the Police Regional Office 7 in Cebu City through Supt. Julian Entoma said that law enforcement agencies will continue to implement Executive Order No.28 which mandates the regulation of the use of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices.
Sale of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices need licenses from the PNP and may only be conducted in predesignated areas, the EO stipulates.
According to Entoma, barangay officials have been mandated to choose areas safe for the sale and use of firecrackers and fireworks.
These areas should be at least 50 meters away from residential areas, said Entoma. (RT, WM)