CCPO sure of securing Holy Week observance

The Cebu City Police Office will not be asking for additional policemen to secure the observance of the Holy Week because the police are not anticipating any major incidents during this season.

CCPO director Sr. Supt. Patrociño Comendador told The Freeman that based on the previous Holy Weeks in 2005 and 2006 there were no major criminal activities recorded in the city.

"Usually we are not anticipating or expecting major crime incidents and other criminal activities during this season, but nevertheless we will not let our guard down," Comendador said.

He believes that this is because during the start of the Lenten Season, people often go back to their home provinces while others stay home with their families.

This leaves the streets almost empty and devoid of targets for criminal elements.

Comendador said the more than 1,000-strong CCPO police force is enough to secure the Holy Week's activities including the security of religious routes and venues.

Comendador said uniformed policemen will be deployed in churches, procession routes, terminals and even the major thoroughfares in the city.

In previous Holy Week observances barangay tanods and Barangay Intelligence Network operatives extended help to the city police in securing the areas as force multipliers.

Every year, many Cebuanos gather in Guadalupe Church along V. Rama Avenue to join in the procession that leads to the San Nicolas Parish in barangay San Nicolas for the yearly "Buhing Kalbaryo."

Many also converge in Good Shepherd to do prayers for the Passion of the Cross in sitio Banawa also in barangay Guadalupe. - Edwin Ian Melecio